NCT07529821

Additional Effects of Pilates Breathing and Diaphragmatic Breathing Combined With Moderate Intensity Continuous Treadmill Training on Blood Pressure, Chest Expansion, Pulmonary Function and Quality Of Life in Pre-hypertensive Patients

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 55 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Pre-hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139mmHg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89mmHg and is considered a risk factor for developing hypertension. Early lifestyle interventions such as aerobic exercise and breathing techniques may help prevent progression to hypertension. This randomised controlled trial aims to determine the additional effects of pilates breathing and diaphragmatic breathing combined with moderate-intensity continuous treadmill training on blood pressure, chest expansion, pulmonary function and quality of life in pre-hypertensive patients. A total of 45 participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: treadmill training with pilates breathing, tredmill training with diaphragmtic brething and treadmill training alone. The intervention will be conducted for 6 weeks. Outcome measures including blood pressure, pulmonary function, chest expansion and quality of life will be assesed before and after the intervention.

Detailed description

Pre-hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139mmHg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89mmHg. This study is a three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the additional effects of pilates breathing and diaphragmatic breathing combined with moderate-intensity continuous treadmill training (MICT) in individuals with prehypertension. A total of 45 participants aged 20-55 years diagnosed with prehypertension will be recruited from the Rehabilitation OPD of Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. Participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: Group A (Pilates breathing + treadmill training), Group B (Diaphragmatic breathing + treadmill training), and Group C (Treadmill training only). The intervention will be performed three times per week for six weeks. Treadmill training will follow a moderate-intensity continuous training protocol based on 55-70% of maximum heart rate. Breathing exercises will be performed for 10-15 minutes per session. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software.

Conditions

• PRE-HYPERTENSION

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Treadmill Training (Moderate-intensity continuous training)	70% of maximum heart rate for 20-35 minutes, three sessions per week for six weeks.
OTHER	Pilates Breathing	Controlled lateral breathing technique focusing on rib cage expansion and core activation performed for 10-15 minutes, with low intensity, the perceived effort should be 3-4/10, with 3 days/week. A 06 weeks protocol will be followed. Steps: Patient in neutral spine position and hands placed on rib cage and abdomen. Inhale deeply expanding the ribs laterally. Exhale drawing the navel inward to engage core muscles.
OTHER	Diaphragmatic Breathing	Slow deep breathing emphasizing diaphragmatic movement performed for 10-15 minutes, with low intensity, the perceived effort should be 3-4/10, with 3 days/week. A 06 weeks protocol will be followed. Steps: Patient in supine or in seated position. Place one hand on chest and one below the ribs. Inhale slowly through the nose expanding the abdomen. Exhale through pursed lips, allowing the abdomen to fall inward and chest should remain still.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-02-28
• Primary completion: 2026-05-15
• Completion: 2026-05-15
• First posted: 2026-04-14
• Last updated: 2026-04-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Pakistan