Jurnal Kesehatan Komunitas Indonesia
Vol 6 No 1: April 2026

Non-Pharmacological Management of Hypertension in the Elderly: Integrating Warm Water Foot Soaks with Slow Deep Breathing Therapy

Hendita, Yasmin (Unknown)
Kurdi, Fahruddin (Unknown)
Iswanto (Unknown)
Firiasari, Maya (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
29 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: Blood pressure tends to increase with age due to elevated peripheral vascular resistance and reduced blood vessel elasticity. Non-pharmacological therapies offer viable alternatives or complement to pharmacological interventions for hypertension management. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of integrating warm-water foot soaks with slow, deep breathing therapy on blood pressure reduction in elderly individuals with hypertension. Methods: A case study with a pretest-posttest design was conducted at Bondowoso Nursing Home. The participant was an elderly individual aged >60 years with stage 2 hypertension. Blood pressure was measured using a sphygmomanometer before and after the intervention. The combined intervention consisted of warm-water foot soaks (30-40°C) and slow, deep breathing exercises (4-4-4 technique: 4 seconds inhalation, 4 seconds breath-holding, 4 seconds exhalation) for 15 minutes per session. The intervention was administered twice weekly for two weeks (4 sessions total). Results: The mean blood pressure before the intervention was 175.00/92.50 mmHg, which decreased to 169.75/90.75 mmHg after the intervention. The mean reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was 5.25 mmHg and 1.75 mmHg, respectively. Conclusion: The integration of warm-water foot soaks and slow, deep breathing therapy shows potential to lower blood pressure among elderly individuals with hypertension. For optimal therapeutic effects, consistent, regular implementation beyond 4 sessions is recommended. This combined non-pharmacological approach can be considered as a complementary therapy in hypertension management for the elderly.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jkki

Publisher

Subject

Environmental Science Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health

Description

The Jurnal Kesehatan Komunitas Indonesia (JKKI) is an open access scientific journal managed by EBSINA and published by Al-Hijrah Indonesia. JKKI focuses on public health and nursing research, epidemiology, pharmacy, reproductive health, health management, environmental health, health promotion, ...