Additional Effects of Pilates Breathing and Diaphragmatic Breathing Combined With Moderate Intensity Continuous Cycling Training on Blood Pressure, Chest Expansion, Pulmonary Function and Quality Of Life in Patients With Hypertension

Conditions studied

Hypertension

About this study

Hypertension or high blood pressure is defined as when the pressure in the blood vessels is too high. According to Joint National Committee 8 (JNC 8) Guidelines, hypertension is defined as systolic blood pressure level of more than ≥ 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg. This study aims to study the combined effects of Pilates breathing, Diaphragmatic breathing and Moderate Intensity Continuous Cycling Training on blood pressure, chest expansion, pulmonary function and quality of life. Aerobic physical activity moderate intensity continuous training: (55%- 70% of maximal heart rate (MHR), rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of 11-13 on the Borg scale) continuous training, known as MICT. Pilates breathing exercise enhances lung expansion by focusing on controlled rhythmic breathing methods involving respiratory muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing exercise is slow and controlled deep breathing that has important effects on respiratory system by the modulation of autonomic nervous system. Hypertensive patients will be selected for this study. The study will include three groups. One group will undergo Cycling training with Pilates breathing and the other group will undergo Cycling training with Diaphragmatic breathing and third group will undergo Cycling training only. Before initiating the intervention at the baseline, following outcome measures would be assessed for all the patients: Blood pressure, chest expansion, pulmonary function and quality of life.

Interventions

• Other: Cycling Training (Moderate-intensity continuous training) — Moderate-intensity continuous cycling training performed at 60-79% of maximum heart rate for 20-35 minutes, three sessions per week for six weeks.
• Other: Pilates Breathing — Controlled lateral breathing technique focusing on rib cage expansion and core activation performed for 10-15 minutes. A 06 weeks protocol will be followed.
• Other: Diaphragmatic Breathing — Slow deep breathing emphasizing diaphragmatic movement performed for 10-15 minutes. A 06 weeks protocol will be followed.

Primary outcomes

• Blood Pressure (SBP and DBP) (06 weeks)
• Chest Expansion (06 weeks)
• Pulmonary Function Test (06 weeks)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• Foundation University, Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan