Comparative Effectiveness of Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Autogenic Training, and Combined Therapy on Blood Pressure Among Older Adults with Hypertension: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background Hypertension is a major chronic cardiovascular condition among older adults that contributes substantially to global morbidity and mortality rates. Mind–body therapies, such as progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic training (AT), may help regulate blood pressure; however, evidence regarding their comparative and combined effects on institutionalized older adults is limited. This study evaluated the effects of PMR, AT, and combined PMR+AT interventions on blood pressure in older adults with hypertension. Methods A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest control group design was conducted involving 194 older adults with hypertension recruited from four social care institutions in South Sumatra, Indonesia. Participants were assigned to PMR (n = 49), AT (n = 49), combined PMR+AT (n = 48), or control (n = 48) groups. Interventions were delivered for four weeks, with three sessions each week, with each session lasting 30–45 min. Arterial pressure was measured before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc tests, and MANOVA. Results All intervention groups showed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.001). The combined PMR+AT group demonstrated the greatest reductions in systolic (−5.88 mmHg) and diastolic (−5.48 mmHg) blood pressure. Significant between-group differences were found for systolic (F = 51.918; p < 0.001) and diastolic (F = 58.560; p < 0.001) blood pressure changes, with the largest effect sizes observed in the combined intervention group. Conclusions PMR, AT, and particularly combined PMR+AT, were associated with significant reductions in blood pressure and may serve as complementary non-pharmacological approaches for older adults with hypertension.