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.

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.