Pilates breathing vs diaphragmatic breathing after PCI
Official title: Effects of Pilates Breathing Versus Diaphragmatic Breathing on Oxygen Saturation and Heart-Rate Variability in Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Patients
Run by Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07872098 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether Pilates breathing or diaphragmatic breathing helps improve oxygen levels and heart-rate variability in people who just had PCI.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 44 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rawalpindi) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07872098 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 44–75 who recently underwent PCI, are stable without ongoing chest pain, can follow simple instructions, have SpO2 ≥ 92% on room air, and have an ejection fraction > 35%.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with unstable hemodynamics, ongoing ischemia, significant arrhythmias, implanted cardiac devices with pacing, severe cognitive impairment, or other disqualifying conditions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This parallel-arm randomized trial compares two breathing exercises—Pilates breathing and diaphragmatic breathing—in adults 44 to 75 years old who are hemodynamically stable after PCI. Participants will receive supervised breathing sessions over two consecutive days, with three sessions per day, in addition to routine care; outcomes include oxygen saturation and heart-rate variability measured during recovery. The study aims to determine which breathing technique better supports early recovery by stabilizing respiration and autonomic regulation. It is conducted at Foundation University Islamabad in Rawalpindi, with 36 participants recruited and randomized using sealed envelopes. The intervention is non-pharmacological and bedside-friendly, designed to be easily integrated into early cardiac rehabilitation if beneficial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, breathing exercises could become a simple, non-drug way to support recovery after PCI by improving oxygenation and autonomic balance.
How similar studies have gone: Prior breathing-exercise approaches have shown potential benefits in respiratory function and autonomic regulation in cardiac patients, but direct comparisons like Pilates versus diaphragmatic breathing post-PCI are novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 44-75 years (\> 75 years as an "at-risk" group) (20). * Hemodynamically stable: SBP \>90 mmHg, DBP 50-100 mmHg, HR 60-100 bpm, and no ongoing chest pain or signs of acute. * Oxygen saturation SpO₂ ≥ 92% on room air * Able to follow simple verbal instructions and perform breathing exercises. * Ejection fraction \>35% Exclusion Criteria: * Ongoing myocardial ischemia, unstable angina, significant arrhythmia or requirement for inotropic/vasopressor * Cardiogenic shock or severe heart failure (NYHA IV) * Recent thoracic surgery or chest wall injury that limits rib expansion * Presence of cardiac implantable electronic device (pacemaker/ICD) with pacing dependency, or implanted ventricular assist device * Severe cognitive impairment. * Uncontrolled hypertension (SBP \> 180 mmHg or DBP \> 110 mmHg) or bradycardia \< 50. * Severe anemia (Hb \< 8) * Pregnancy.
Where it's running
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Foundation University Islamabad
Rawalpindi, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Aqsa Kanwal Siddique, MS-CPPT
- Email: Itsaqsa025@gmail.com
- Phone: 03315874402
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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.