Effectiveness of conventional physical therapy and Pilates' method in functionality, respiratory muscle strength and ability to exercise in hospitalized chronic renal patients: A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Summary Background Patients with chronic kidney disease can present compromised functional abilities, and hospitalization may further contribute to their health deterioration and loss of functional independence. Objectives To compare the effectiveness between Pilates Method and Conventional Physical Therapy in functionality, exercise capacity and respiratory muscle strength in hospitalized patients with chronic kidney disease. Methods 56 patients will be randomized into Control (usual care) or Pilates groups. Functionality (Barthel Index), exercise capacity (Step Test) and respiratory muscle strength (Manovacuometry) will be evaluated during pre-intervention, after the 5th and 10th sessions or at discharge in both groups. The statistical analysis will be calculated using linear mixed models and based on intention-to-treat. The level of significance will be set at α = 5%. This study is the first to develop a Pilates protocol for hospitalized chronic renal failure patients and the results will provide additional treatment options for these patients and for physiotherapists.