Background and Purpose; Hypertension is associated with enhanced oxidative
stress. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been employed as a treatment for a variety
of clinical conditions. Regular physical activity lowers blood pressure and enhances
endothelial vasodilator function in hypertensive patients. The main purpose of the
study was to measure the levels of serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione
peroxidase (GPX) in relation to practicing laser acupuncture therapy and exercise
program in mild essential hypertensive patients. Study Type and Design;
Interventional, Randomized Control Trial. Subjects and Methods; 45-male patients
(40-60 years) with mild essential hypertension were participated in the study.
Following baseline measurements, patients were categorized randomly into three
homogenous groups; laser therapy, exercise and control. Patients of laser therapy
group subjected to a program of laser acupoint therapy to Chinese points for treating
hypertension for 4 weeks. Patients of exercise group performed a supervised treadmill
exercise program 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Data of pre- and post-intervention
measures were collected and statistically analyzed. Results; Comparing postintervention
results of laser therapy and control groups, and between exercise and
control groups, showed a high statistically significant difference of mean values of
MDA, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and pulse rate
(PR), while serum GPX, showed nonsignificant (P>0.05) difference. Conclusions;
Short-term (4-week) laser therapy and supervised treadmill exercise programs
significantly improved MDA level. There was also a significant reduction in SBP and
DBP, exhibiting a considerable hypotensive effect. It was found also that laser
therapy is more efficient in improving the studied parameters than such improvements
documented in exercise program.