HOT TOPIC: An Occupational Therapy Program to Improve Medication and Lifestyle Management in Underserved Patients With Hypertension

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2026

2:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Course Description

Importance: Individuals with health disparities are less likely to receive effective education regarding hypertension management.

Objective: To determine whether a “Yoga for a Healthy Heart” program could improve blood pressure measurements, medication management, and quality of life measures in Black patients with hypertension.

Design: Single-arm preliminary 8-week study.

Setting: Community wellness center in a hospital.

Participants: The study included 6 Black female patients (age, 0–81 years) with hypertension who were being seen at a cardiology clinic at the hospital.

Intervention: An occupational therapist led a weekly 1-hour class that included yoga-based physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, along with group discussions and journaling on lifestyle management. Study participants were also taught how to measure blood pressure and manage a pillbox.

Outcomes and Measures: Blood pressure was measured before and after each session. Outcomes regarding medication management, functional cognition, and stress levels were assessed using the Medi-Cog, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Perceived Stress Scale.

Results: At the end of the intervention, study participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in medication management as measured with Medi-Cog (p = .031). Statistically significant improvements were also observed in Canadian Occupational Performance Measure scores for the Leisure category (p = .028). Blood pressure measurements did not decrease significantly over the course of the study, but clinical improvements were seen. Conclusions and Relevance: An occupational therapist–led program involving yoga, mindfulness, and health education may help underserved patients with hypertension manage their hypertension, improve their quality of life, and potentially lower their blood pressure.

Speakers

Content Level

Intermediate: This level assumes the audience has general familiarity with the literature and professional practice. The focus of the presentation is on increased understanding and application by the participants.

Advanced: This level focuses on recent advances, future directions and practical application of research.

Practice Areas

Aging in Place/Geriatrics; Community-based Practice; Emerging Practice Area; Health and Wellness; Mental Health