Relationship Between Essential Hypertension and Cognitive Functioning II: Effects of Biofeedback Training Generalize to Non-Laboratory Environment.

ABSTRACT Eight male essential hypertensives underwent 9 weekly 2-hr biofeedback training sessions in which feedback (i.e., lights and tones) was contingent upon decreases in systolic pressure. Three weekly control sessions (with no feedback) preceded feedback training. Outside the laboratory, patients recorded blood pressure 5 times per day both at home and at work. Patients continued monitoring their blood pressure for up to 4 months after termination of feedback training. Both prior to and following the 9 weeks of biofeedback training, patients were given the Category Test (a subtest of the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychological Test Battery). Feedback training resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure both within and outside of the laboratory. The reduction in non-laboratory pressure readings persisted for up to 4 months after feedback training was terminated. A significant positive correlation was found between systolic pressure and number of errors on the Category Test given prior to biofeedback training, and between magnitude of decrease in systolic pressure recorded during biofeedback training and improvement in Category Test performance measured subsequent to training. After completion of the study, patients were rated (on the basis of structured interview data obtained following weekly feedback sessions) as to overall level of stress (i.e., general stressfulness of life style, accidents, illnesses, emotional problems, etc.). Patients rated high in overall stress had significantly higher blood pressure readings during the control period. However, magnitude of decrease in blood pressure recorded during feedback training was essentially the same regardless of rated stress level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]