Hypertension, Stage II Hypertension, Essential Hypertension
Conditions
Keywords
Mat Pilates, Paced Breathing, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Breathing Exercises, Cardiopulmonary Endurance, 6-Minute Walk Test
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of mat Pilates combined with paced breathing versus mat Pilates combined with diaphragmatic breathing on stress, anxiety, cardiopulmonary endurance, dyspnea, and quality of life in patients with Stage II hypertension. Participants will be recruited from the Physiotherapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Outcome measures will include DASS-21, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, and SF-12 Health Survey. The intervention will be conducted three times per week for six weeks.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial conducted at the Physiotherapy Department of the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. A total of 63 hypertensive patients will be screened from the Outpatient Department (OPD) after clinical diagnosis by a qualified medical specialist. Eligible participants who meet inclusion criteria and provide written informed consent will be enrolled using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Participants will be randomly allocated into two parallel groups using a sealed envelope method to ensure allocation concealment. Participants in: Group A: Will receive mat Pilates exercises combined with paced breathing training. Group B: Will receive mat Pilates exercises combined with diaphragmatic breathing training. Both groups will undergo supervised intervention sessions three times per week on alternate days for a total duration of six weeks. Each session will last approximately 45-60 minutes. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the six-week intervention period.
Interventions
OTHERMat Pilates
Standardized mat-based Pilates exercises focusing on breathing control, core stability, postural alignment, flexibility, and strengthening. Sessions will be supervised and conducted three times per week on alternate days for six weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45-60 minutes.
BEHAVIORALPaced Breathing
Participants will perform paced breathing exercises using a controlled respiratory rate guided by therapist instruction during sessions. Paced breathing will be integrated with mat Pilates sessions, three times per week for six weeks.
Sponsors
University of Lahore
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Participants and care providers will not be blinded due to the nature of the interventions.
Intervention model description
Participants will be randomly assigned into two parallel groups to receive either mat Pilates combined with paced breathing or mat Pilates combined with diaphragmatic breathing for six weeks.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
40 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 40 to 50 years * Clinically diagnosed Stage II hypertension confirmed by a qualified healthcare provider * On a stable antihypertensive medication regimen for at least 4 weeks * Moderate dyspnea levels as measured by the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale * Not currently participating in any structured exercise or rehabilitation program * Able to understand instructions and complete questionnaires * Willing to provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* Uncontrolled hypertension (e.g., blood pressure greater than 180/110 mmHg) * History of recent cardiovascular events (e.g., myocardial infarction within the past 6 months) * Severe neurological or musculoskeletal disorders limiting mobility * Severe anxiety or stress requiring psychiatric intervention * Severe cognitive impairment or communication barriers * Currently enrolled in another clinical trial or structured wellness program * Any medical contraindication to physical activity as advised by a physician
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stress and Anxiety Levels (DASS-21) | Baseline and at 6 weeks | Stress and anxiety levels will be assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale - 21 items (DASS-21). Each subscale consists of 7 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = Did not apply to me at all to 3 = Applied to me very much or most of the time). Scores are multiplied by 2 to calculate final subscale scores. Higher scores indicate greater psychological distress. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiopulmonary Endurance (6-Minute Walk Test) | Baseline and at 6 weeks | Cardiopulmonary endurance will be measured using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The total distance walked in meters over six minutes will be recorded. Higher distance indicates improved cardiopulmonary endurance. |
| Dyspnea Severity (Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale) | Baseline and at 6 weeks | Dyspnea will be assessed using the Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale, a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 (no breathlessness) to 10 (maximal breathlessness). Higher scores indicate more severe dyspnea. |
| Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-12) | Baseline and at 6 weeks | Quality of life will be assessed using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), which evaluates physical and mental health domains. Higher scores indicate better perceived health status. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed