Breathing retraining for pregnant women with POTS
Official title: Effects of Breathing Retraining Exercises on Heartrate, Blood Pressure and Orthostatic Intolerance in Pregnant Females With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
Run by Riphah International University · NCT07579026 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether diaphragmatic breathing exercises help pregnant women with POTS reduce dizziness, rapid heart rate, and other orthostatic symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Riphah International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sialkot, Punjab Province) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 31, 2025 |
| Main results expected | September 2026 |
| Study ends | September 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07579026 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Pregnant females aged 19–35 with POTS defined by a sustained heart rate increase of ≥30 bpm on standing (or ≥120 bpm) and orthostatic symptoms are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
Women with uncontrolled hypertension or pre-eclampsia, significant cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled diabetes, severe anemia, advanced heart failure, neurodegenerative disease, or a history of deep venous thrombosis are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized interventional trial will enroll 44 pregnant women with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome at two hospitals in Sialkot, Pakistan, over about 10 months. Participants will be randomized to diaphragmatic breathing exercises (experimental) or educational retraining (control), with both groups also receiving baseline progressive muscle relaxation. Outcome measures include orthostatic symptom burden (Vanderbilt Orthostatic Symptom Score), heart rate and blood pressure responses to standing, and symptom reports. The protocol uses non-probability convenience sampling and regular site follow-ups for intervention delivery and data collection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a low-cost, non-drug way to reduce orthostatic symptoms and improve daily comfort for pregnant women with POTS.
How similar studies have gone: Breathing retraining and paced breathing have shown autonomic and symptom benefits in other populations, but evidence specifically for pregnant patients with POTS is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * • Pregnant female between the age of 19 to 35 years. * Active standing results in a sustained increase in heart rate (HR) of at least 30 bpm or ≥120 bpm. * POTS patients with a subacute onset of lightheadedness, dizziness, and presyncope provoked by standing. * palpitations with chest discomfort, breathing difficulties, or feeling faint Exclusion Criteria: * • Uncontrolled hypertension/pre-eclampsia * cardiovascular disorder * Patients with uncontrolled diabetes * Patient with Anemia, severe heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. * Females with the history of deep venous thrombosis.
Where it's running
-
Bashir hospital sialkot, fatima hospital
Sialkot, Punjab Province, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Masooma Saleem, MSPT WH — Riphah International University
- Study coordinator: imran amjad, phd
- Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
- Phone: 03324390125
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Think Tank nutritional drink to help thinking after stress in middle-aged women.
This trial will test whether taking the 'Think Tank' nutritional drink helps thinking and mood after a physical and psychological stressor in healthy women aged 40–60 who drink caffeine daily.
-
Transcutaneous spinal stimulation to improve blood pressure after a recent spinal cord injury
We will try a noninvasive spinal stimulation to see if it raises and steadies blood pressure in people 7–30 days after a thoracic spinal cord injury who have low blood pressure or dizziness when sitting up.
-
Transcutaneous spinal stimulation to stabilize blood pressure after spinal cord injury
This will test whether noninvasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation can raise and stabilize blood pressure in people with chronic high-level spinal cord injuries who experience orthostatic hypotension.
-
Alternate Nostril Breathing vs Diaphragmatic Breathing after PCI
Post-PCI patients will try two breathing techniques to see which helps keep oxygen levels steady and heart-rate variability better.
-
Overnight Temperature Regulation to Test Gut Health, Inflammation, and Circadian Rhythms
This study tests whether two weeks of using the Eight Sleep Pod at night can improve gut bacteria balance, lower inflammation, and strengthen daily temperature and blood pressure rhythms in postmenopausal women and age-matched men with poor sleep.
-
Automated Non-Invasive Blood Pressure: Tracking Blood Pressure Changes Using SpO2 Data
This study tests an algorithm that estimates blood pressure changes using data from an SpO2 sensor in patients in the OR, PACU, or ICU who already have invasive BP measured as part of standard care.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.