Pilates and diaphragmatic breathing added to moderate cycling for people with high blood pressure

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

This trial will test whether adding Pilates and diaphragmatic breathing to moderate-intensity cycling helps adults with hypertension lower blood pressure and improve lung function and quality of life.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 55 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Islamabad)
• Trial ID: NCT07529834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized, three-arm parallel trial will enroll 45 adults aged 20–55 with stage 1–2 hypertension who have been on stable antihypertensive medication for at least three months. Participants will be randomized into one of three groups of 15 to receive moderate-intensity continuous cycling (55–70% maximal heart rate, RPE 11–13) alone or combined with Pilates breathing or combined with diaphragmatic breathing. Outcomes include systolic and diastolic blood pressure, chest expansion, pulmonary function, and quality of life measured with validated tools, with blood pressure measured by sphygmomanometer. Participants are screened for exercise readiness using PAR-Q+ and are referred from local clinics or hospitals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults 20–55 years old with stage 1–2 hypertension on stable antihypertensive therapy who can safely perform moderate exercise and provide informed consent.

Not a fit: People with stage 3 or crisis-level hypertension, major orthopedic problems, or other conditions that prevent safe participation in exercise are unlikely to benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding targeted breathing techniques to moderate cycling could reduce blood pressure and improve breathing and daily functioning for people with hypertension.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies pairing aerobic exercise with controlled breathing techniques have reported modest improvements in blood pressure and respiratory outcomes, though evidence for these exact combined protocols is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Medically diagnosed patients having Stage 1 hypertension(SBP;140-159 mmHg,DBP:90-99mmHg) and Stage 2 -hypertension(SBP:≥160mmHg,DBP:≥100mmHg) according to JNC 8 Guidelines, referred by a medical specialist or GP or cardiologist from FFH or clinical setups or Hospitals of Rawalpindi/Islambad
* Patients who are on antihypertensive medications for at least 3 months before study.
* Age ranging from 20-55 years
* Both male and female patients.
* Patients who are willing to participate in exercise regime and are able to -provide informed consent, have not been a part of any exercise regime from the last 6 months and well tolerated for exercise after being screened through PAR-Q+

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with Stage 3 hypertension (SBP: ≥180 mmHg or DBP: ≥110 mmHg) and above hypertension according to JNC 8 Guidelines or Hypertensive Crisis etc.
* Patients with any severe knee or other orthopedic conditions that can limit exercise performance
* Patients with uncontrolled hypertension
* History of any abdominal, orthopedic or spinal surgery that could interfere with core or breathing exercise
* Neurological or psychiatric disorders
* Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions such as arrhythmias or recent myocardial infarction
* Pregnant women

Where this trial is running

Islamabad

• Foundation University, Islamabad — Islamabad, Pakistan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Saba Rehman, MSPT-CPT

Conditions Hypertension; Pilates Breathing; Diaphragmatic Breathing; Cycling training; Pulmonary Function; Chest expansion; Quality of life