NCT07018128

Expression of Genes Relating Hypertension and Efficacy of 4-7-8 Breathing Control on Reducing Blood Pressure

Expression of Genes Relating Hypertension in Thailand and the Efficacy of 4-7-8 Breathing Control on Reducing Blood Pressure in Individuals With Hypertension

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 200 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Burapha University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 59 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study consists of two sub-studies. Study 1 investigates gene expression related to the development of hypertension in Thailand, and Study 2 examines the effectiveness of the 4-7-8 breathing technique in reducing blood pressure in individuals with hypertension.

Detailed description

In Study 1, the sample group includes 200 individuals aged 18-59 years, originating from various regions of Thailand but currently residing in the eastern region. Participants may have normal blood pressure, high blood pressure, or have been diagnosed with hypertension. Blood samples from the participants will be analyzed for the following variables: 1) expression of five genes-adrenomedullin (ADM), angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), proto-oncogene c-Fos (FOS), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and ubiquitin specific peptidase 8 (USP8), and 2) markers of inflammation-tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma levels in the blood. In Study 2, the sample group includes 75 volunteers from Study 1 who are interested in participating. These volunteers will be randomly assigned into three groups of 25 people each. The first group is a control group whose participants will not receive any breathing training. The second group will practice the 4-7-8 breathing technique, which involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds-this constitutes one cycle. They will repeat this for 6 cycles per set, three sets per day, with normal breathing between sets. The third group will practice deep diaphragmatic breathing at a rate of 6-10 breaths per minute for 15 minutes, twice a day. Participants in both the second and third groups are required to follow their assigned breathing programs daily for three consecutive months. At the end of the three months, all participants will be assessed on the same variables measured before the intervention: 1) systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, 2) blood pressure variability, and 3) inflammation markers, specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma levels in the blood.

Conditions

• Genetic Predisposition to Disease
• Breathing, Mouth

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Study 2: deep breathing	Participants in the deep breathing group will be randomized to receive a diaphragmatic deep breathing program. They will be instructed to practice deep breathing at a rate of 6-10 breaths per minute for 15 minutes, twice daily, every day for a duration of 3 months.
OTHER	Study 2: 4-7-8 breathing	Participants in the 4-7-8 breathing group will be randomized to receive a 4-7-8 breathing program. They will follow the 4-7-8 breathing training program, which involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and exhaling for 8 seconds, counted as one cycle. This pattern is to be repeated for 6 cycles to complete one set. They will perform 12 sets per day-6 sets in the morning and 6 sets in the evening-with normal breathing between each set. This routine will be carried out daily for a duration of 3 months.
OTHER	Study 2: slow breathing with device	Participants in the slow breathing with device group will be randomized to receive a slow breathing with device. They will undergo deep breathing training using a resistance-based breathing device called BreathMax, set at 25% of their maximal inspiratory pressure. The breathing rate will be 6 breaths per minute, continuously for 15 minutes, twice a day. This routine will be performed daily for a duration of 3 months.

Timeline

• Start date: 2024-10-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-30
• Completion: 2026-09-30
• First posted: 2025-06-12
• Last updated: 2025-12-31

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Thailand