Ola Hou i ka Hula: Hula and Hypertension
Ola Hou i ka Hula: Hula and Hypertension
Physical activity is an important lifestyle modification for individuals with high blood
 pressure. It is part of national cardiac care guidelines for hypertension management that
 recommends, along with prescribing medication, lifestyle modification be promoted for
 improved dietary intake, and participation in about 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
 Native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples (NHPP) have among the highest risk for the heart
 disease, with mortality rates twice other ethnic groups. In many minority populations,
 including NHPP, hypertension develops at an early age, is more severe and is less likely to
 be controlled. Despite the ability of physical activity to reduce blood pressure, the
 majority of U.S. population, do not meet physical activity recommendations and new
 interventions that can improve accessibility and adherence, particularly among at-risk
 minority populations are needed.

 In this research, Hypertension and Hula: Ola Hou Pilot Study, we plan to evaluate a
 culturally relevant intervention that uses hula and is consistent with the goals of
 recommended physical activity for improved lifestyle - moderate-intensity, prolonged physical
 activity cumulatively at about 150 minutes per week. Hula, the traditional dance form of
 Native Hawaiians, is commonly practiced in Hawai'i as a cultural practice, form of creative
 expression, and exercise that is structured on controlled, rhythmic movements. Combining
 aspects of meditation, music, self-awareness with low-impact aerobic exercise, traditional
 hula may be particularly suitable to individuals with limited mobility and fitness and within
 the recommended paradigm for exercise training and secondary prevention of coronary artery
 disease (CAD). We anticipate a hula and heart health education program will be particularly
 appealing to Native Hawaiians and other Pacific people (NHPP) including Pacific Islanders and
 Filipino who suffer from a significant disparity in cardiovascular health.

 Specifically, we will determine if individuals with poorly managed hypertension and
 randomized to a 12-week hula and heart health education intervention will demonstrate better
 blood pressure levels, functional capacity, and exercise tolerance (6-minute walk test) than
 individuals randomized to a usual care group. We will also assess if the individuals in the
 hula intervention report better health-related quality of life, stress management,
 perceptions of discrimination, and exercise self efficacy.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Adult (age > 18) with blood pressure >140/90 or >130/80 if also diagnosed with
 diabetes

 -  Under a physicians care for hypertension for at least 6 months

 -  Prescribed 2-3 hypertension medications

 -  Independently ambulatory

 -  Approval of participation from primary care physician or cardiologist

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Prescribed more than 4, or only 1 hypertension medication

 -  Severe cognitive dysfunction precluding informed consent and understanding of hula

 -  Pregnancy at time or during the study period