Efficacy of Device-Guided Breathing for Hypertension in Blinded, Randomized, Active-Controlled Trials: A Meta-analysis of Individual Patient Data

This analysis of 5 RCTs evaluating the effects of device-guided breathing (RESPeRATE device) concluded that it did not reduce office blood pressure compared to the controls used (music therapy or sham device). All studies had short follow-up and two had a high risk of bias.

The findings of this analysis suggest that device-guided breathing (DGB) is no more effective than other relaxation techniques in reducing blood pressure. No studies evaluating the effects of DGB on longer-term cardiovascular endpoints were located, and follow-up was limited in all studies. The authors conclude that there is insufficient evidence to recommend DGB to patients with hypertension.

 

A previous meta-analysis on DGB reported short-term positive effects on blood pressure; this was however primarily ascribed to studies comparing it to usual care. The current analysis excluded such studies and also those with inadequate control groups, and analysed individual patient data.