Overview
Pre-hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139mmHg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89mmHg and is considered a risk factor for developing hypertension. Early lifestyle interventions such as aerobic exercise and breathing techniques may help prevent progression to hypertension. This randomised controlled trial aims to determine the 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.
A total of 45 participants will be randomly allocated into three groups:
treadmill training with pilates breathing, tredmill training with diaphragmtic brething and treadmill training alone. The intervention will be conducted for 6 weeks. Outcome measures including blood pressure, pulmonary function, chest expansion and quality of life will be assesed before and after the intervention.
Description
Pre-hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure between 120-139mmHg or diastolic blood pressure between 80-89mmHg.
This study is a three-arm parallel randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the additional effects of pilates breathing and diaphragmatic breathing combined with moderate-intensity continuous treadmill training (MICT) in individuals with prehypertension.
A total of 45 participants aged 20-55 years diagnosed with prehypertension will be recruited from the Rehabilitation OPD of Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi. Participants will be randomly allocated into three groups:
Group A (Pilates breathing + treadmill training), Group B (Diaphragmatic breathing + treadmill training), and Group C (Treadmill training only). The intervention will be performed three times per week for six weeks. Treadmill training will follow a moderate-intensity continuous training protocol based on 55-70% of maximum heart rate. Breathing exercises will be performed for 10-15 minutes per session. Data will be analyzed using SPSS software.
Eligibility
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
