Pilates or diaphragmatic breathing added to moderate treadmill exercise for people with pre-hypertension.
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
This trial will test whether adding Pilates breathing or diaphragmatic breathing to moderate treadmill workouts helps adults with pre-hypertension lower blood pressure, improve lung function, chest expansion, 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 | NCT07529821 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a three-arm randomized controlled trial enrolling 45 sedentary adults aged 20–55 with pre-hypertension, randomized to treadmill plus Pilates breathing, treadmill plus diaphragmatic breathing, or treadmill alone. Interventions are delivered three times per week for six weeks, with treadmill sessions performed at 55–70% of maximum heart rate and breathing exercises for 10–15 minutes per session. Primary and secondary outcomes including blood pressure, pulmonary function, chest expansion, and quality of life are measured before and after the intervention. Data will be analyzed using standard statistical methods (SPSS) to compare changes between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are sedentary adults aged 20–55 with systolic BP 120–139 mmHg or diastolic BP 80–89 mmHg who can safely perform moderate exercise and agree to attend supervised sessions.
Not a fit: People with established hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg), significant cardiopulmonary disease, musculoskeletal or neurological conditions that prevent exercise, pregnancy, or those already in structured exercise programs are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding brief breathing exercises to moderate treadmill training could help delay progression to hypertension and improve respiratory function and quality of life in people with pre-hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows aerobic exercise and slow deep-breathing techniques can lower blood pressure, but combining treadmill MICT with Pilates-specific breathing is relatively novel and less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Prehypertensive individuals (SBP 120-139 mmHg or DBP 80-89 mmHg) * Age 20-55 years * Both male and female * Sedentary individuals according to IPAQ * Willing to participate and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) * Cardiopulmonary diseases (COPD, asthma, CAD, heart failure) * Musculoskeletal conditions preventing exercise * Neurological disorders * Pregnancy * Participation in structured exercise in last 3 months
Where this trial is running
Islamabad
- Foundation University Islamabad — Islamabad, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Iqra Zahid, MSPT-CPT
- Email: iqrazahid31801@gmail.com
- Phone: 03310174987
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.