Salat Dhuha Improves Haemodynamic: A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of hypertension increases with age, more than 1 in every two elderly have hypertension, dominated by women. The primary prevention of hypertension is a worldwide public health concern. Salat Dhuha is a moderate-intensity physical activity. Salat with a two-movement cycle (rakaat) demonstrated improved hemodynamic in adults.AIM: Our study purpose was to asses the effects of 2 and 8 rakaats of Salat Dhuha in improving systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in healthy elderly women.METHODS: Elderly women in the Senior Care Residence (aged 60–74 years) participated in a 6-week controlled study. We completed a formal physical, clinical, and blood assessments before admission. Participants with a history of hypertension were excluded from the study. The participants were randomized into 2 groups, i.e., “8 rakaats group” (n = 13) and “2 rakaats group” (n = 13) of Salat Dhuha. Two participants dropped out from the present study. At baseline and at the end of 6 weeks study period, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. All data obtained were statistically analyzed.RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated the benefits of Salat Dhuha in improving hemodynamic parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate). However, the reduction of systolic blood pressure in the “2 rakaats group” (2.16 mmHg) was less than in the “8 rakaats group” (5.50 mmHg), the reduction of diastolic blood pressure in the “2 rakaats group” (0.75 mmHg) was less than the “8 rakaats group” (2.41 mmHg) and the reduction of heart rate in “2 rakaats group” (2.08 bpm) was less than the “8 rakaats group” (6.08 bpm). All differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the Salat Dhuha has a significant potential in improving hemodynamic parameters for elderly women which the more frequent rakaat will give more benefit than less frequent rakaat.