Mat Pilates With Paced Breathing Versus Diaphragmatic Breathing in Stage II Hypertension

Effects of Paced Breathing Versus Diaphragmatic Breathing Combined With Mat Pilates on Cardiopulmonary Endurance, Dyspnea, Stress, Anxiety, and Quality of Life in Patients With Stage II Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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.

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