Details of HTA project
Last updated: 1 July 2008 - Next update due: 8 July 2008
Research type: |
HTA Technology Assessment Report |
Project title: |
A systematic review of the effectiveness of biofeedback for the treatment of essential hypertension in adults |
Project ref: |
07/04/01 |
Cost: |
This project has been commissioned by the HTA programme on a call-off contract basis. |
Chief Investigator : |
Liverpool Reviews & Implementation Group (LRIG), University of Liverpool |
Start Date: |
July 2007. |
Publication date: |
April 2009. This project is at the editorial review stage. Delays in the review process can cause the forecast publication date to be delayed. |
Plain English Summary |
Essential hypertension is a type of high blood pressure for which there is no known cause. It has no symptoms and is generally picked up during routine medical visits. It is estimated that up to one third of the population of England and Wales may have hypertension and it is the most commonly treated complaint in general practice. Hypertension is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and early death. Reductions in blood pressure significantly reduce the risk of these outcomes. The aim of current treatment is to reduce blood pressure to 140/90mmHg or below. At present, this is achieved through long term treatment with medication; however biofeedback treatment is seen by some as an alternative method of managing hypertension. In biofeedback treatments patients use electronic instruments to monitor their blood pressure. A therapist assists the patient in using the device to help them to recognise and deal with changes in their blood pressure status. If biofeedback techniques can be used to help patients control their own blood pressure, the need for long term medication with anti-hypertensive drugs may be reduced or eliminated. This project will review the evidence for the use of biofeedback for the treatment of hypertension in adults by comparing the effects of biofeedback treatments with anti-hypertensive medications. It will also include a description of the range of biofeedback devices available for use in clinics or at home for the treatment of hypertension and indicate which devices might be evaluated in future clinical trials. |
Abstract: |
The primary aim of this report is to inform decision making related to the need for further research designed to assess the effectiveness of the use of biofeedback in the treatment of essential hypertension. As such the project will include following objectives: 1.To identify, critique and summarise existing systematic reviews comparing the use of biofeedback to medical management, other biofeedback techniques or placebo and then to identify, critique and summarise all available RCT evidence; 2.To provide an overview of currently available biofeedback equipment; 3.To assess the cost effectiveness of biofeedback versus medical treatment or biofeedback in conjunction with medical management; 4.To provide recommendations for future research. The NIHR HTA Programme commissioned this report on behalf of the NIHR HTA Programme Director. |
NRR* number, if applicable: |
N0484196332 (*National Research Register) |
Project Protocol: |
Project protocol not available |
URL of this page: |
http://www.hta.ac.uk/1658 |
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