THE EFFECT OF INTEGRATED MULTIMODAL RELAXATION THERAPY (MRT) ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND COMPLICATION RISK AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Hypertension in the elderly is associated with reduced quality of life and increased cardiovascular risk. A complementary non-pharmacological intervention addressing both physical and psychological aspects is needed. Multimodal Relaxation Therapy (MRT), combining several relaxation techniques, may improve quality of life and cardiovascular risk profiles in elderly individuals with hypertension. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest control group design. A total of 120 elderly hypertensive patients were divided into an intervention group (n=60) and a control group (n=60). The intervention group received MRT, while the control group received standard care. Quality of life was measured using WHOQOL-BREF, while the risk of complications was assessed using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Data analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and the Mann Whitney U Test with a significance level of 5%.  The intervention group showed a significant improvement in quality of life after the intervention (81.85±18.34 to 98.78±15.19; p<0.001), while the control group did not experience significant changes (p=0.114). The risk of cardiovascular complications measured using the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) also decreased significantly in the intervention group, from 24.25±18.50 to 14.97±12.65 (p <0.001), while the control group showed no significant change (p=0.906). Multimodal Relaxation Therapy (MRT) is associated with improved quality of life and reduced cardiovascular risk scores based on the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) among elderly individuals with hypertension. MRT has potential as a complementary non-pharmacological intervention to support gerontic nursing care and hypertension management in primary healthcare settings.