Muscle Energy Techniques in COPD Patients

NCT ID: NCT04773860

Last Updated: 2021-02-26

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: UNKNOWN
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 110 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2021-02-23
• Study Completion Date: 2023-06-30

Brief Summary

Patients diagnosed with COPD as a result of hyperinflation adapt to the increased workload through shortening and overactivation of other muscles because of their dual function as muscles of the upper limb and neck motion which makes them limited in function and decreases the range of motion in these joints. Another resultant effect of these changes is the shortness of breath taking place following the inability of patients to perform daily activities.

Current research is focusing on the use of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) for such circumstances. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether METs result in an improvement in rib cage mobility which could potentially lead to improvements in pulmonary function and activities of daily of living (ADLs) in a group of patients diagnosed with COPD. If positive results are obtained, such an intervention might provide a possible addition to the evidence-based interventions already available for COPD patients. The result of this intervention may provide physiotherapists with further techniques for use in such patients; ones which will be of benefit to the patients and their quality of life and also to the health services.

Detailed Description

Patients diagnosed with COPD as a result of hyperinflation adapt to the increased workload through shortening and overactivation of other muscles because of their dual function as muscles of the upper limb and neck motion which makes them limited in function and decreases the range of motion in these joints. Another resultant effect of these changes is the shortness of breath taking place following the inability of patients to perform daily activities.

Current research is focusing on the use of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) for such circumstances. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether METs result in an improvement in rib cage mobility which could potentially lead to improvements in pulmonary function and activities of daily of living (ADLs) in a group of patients diagnosed with COPD. If positive results are obtained, such an intervention might provide a possible addition to the evidence-based interventions already available for COPD patients. The result of this intervention may provide physiotherapists with further techniques for use in such patients; ones which will be of benefit to the patients and their quality of life and also to the health services.

A randomised controlled trial (RCT) shall be carried out on an approximate sample of 110 patients diagnosed with COPD. Participants shall be randomly assigned to an intervention and a control group. The intervention group shall be receiving a 4 week programme of Muscle Energy Techniques whereas the control group shall continue with their prescribed medications and any conventional physiotherapy sessions suggested for these patients.

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Experimental

The experimental group shall be receiving a 4 week programme of Muscle Energy Techniques on the following accessory muscles; Sternocleidomastoid, Pectoralis Minor, Trapezius, Scalene muscles and Latissimus Dorsi

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Muscle Energy Techniques

Intervention Type: OTHER

A 4 week intervention will be carried out consisting of Muscle Energy Techniques on the accessory muscle of respiration. That is, Pectoralis Minor, Sternocleidomastoid, Upper trapezius, Scalene muscles and Latissimus Dorsi

Control group

The control group will be taking their prescribed medication and continue with any conventional physiotherapy recommended for the individual.

Group Type: NO_INTERVENTION

No interventions assigned to this group

Interventions

Muscle Energy Techniques

A 4 week intervention will be carried out consisting of Muscle Energy Techniques on the accessory muscle of respiration. That is, Pectoralis Minor, Sternocleidomastoid, Upper trapezius, Scalene muscles and Latissimus Dorsi

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

1. The patient has to have been diagnosed as suffering from COPD by a medical consultant,

2. Be medically stable with no exacerbations within the past 2 months and,

3. Be between the age range of 40 to 79 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Rheumatoid arthritis,

2. Musculoskeletal or neuromuscular pathology and,

3. Cognitive disability that could affect comprehension or execution of the intervention protocol or outcome measurements

• Minimum Eligible Age: 40 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 80 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

University of Malta

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Kimberley Sevasta

Principal Investigator

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Central Contacts

Kimberley Sevasta, BSc

Role: CONTACT

sevastakimberley@gmail.com

79980164 ext. 356

Anabel Sciriha, PhD

Role: CONTACT

anabel.sciriha@um.edu.mt

99423327 ext. 356

Other Identifiers

333797

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id