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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
63
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.
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.
University of Lahore Teaching Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Stress and Anxiety Levels (DASS-21)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks
Cardiopulmonary Endurance (6-Minute Walk Test)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks
Dyspnea Severity (Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks
Health-Related Quality of Life (SF-12)
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.
Time frame: Baseline and at 6 weeks
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