Comparison of Thoracic Squeeze and Manual Diaphragmatic Release Technique in COPD Patients

NCT ID: NCT06791239

Last Updated: 2025-08-22

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 36 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-02-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-30

Brief Summary

The goal of this randomized control trial is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two physiotherapy techniques-Thoracic Squeeze Technique (TST) and Manual Diaphragmatic Release Technique (MDRT)-on improving respiratory parameters, functional capacity, and quality of life in patients with mild to moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Objectives:

• Assess the impact of TST and MDRT on respiratory parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and chest expansion).
• Compare the functional capacity outcomes of the two techniques using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT).
• Evaluate the effects of TST and MDRT on patient wellbeing and daily life through the COPD Assessment Test (CAT).

Study Design:

The study involves 34 participants, divided into two groups (n=17 each) via sealed envelope randomization. Both groups will receive their respective interventions (TST or MDRT) alongside a standardized pulmonary rehabilitation protocol (pursed-lip breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, active cycle of breathing, and endurance exercises). The intervention will be conducted three times per week for three weeks.

Outcome Measures:

Primary outcomes include respiratory parameters assessed through spirometry and chest expansion using a measuring tape. Secondary outcomes include functional capacity (6MWT) and patient wellbeing (CAT scores). Baseline and post-intervention measures will be analyzed using SPSS, employing Mixed ANOVA to determine interaction effects.

Detailed Description

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the respiratory system that progressively impairs airflow, leading to significant limitations in physical capacity and quality of life. COPD is a global health concern, being the third leading cause of death worldwide, with an increasing prevalence due to aging populations and environmental pollution. Despite advancements in pharmacological treatments, COPD management requires comprehensive rehabilitation strategies, particularly for improving respiratory function and functional capacity.

Two physiotherapy techniques, the Thoracic Squeeze Technique and Manual Diaphragmatic Release Technique, have been individually employed to address respiratory function in COPD patients. However, direct comparisons of their effectiveness on respiratory parameters, functional capacity, and overall quality of life are scarce. This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of these techniques, combined with conventional pulmonary rehabilitation, to identify the more effective intervention for optimizing COPD treatment.

The trial will be conducted at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar, over six months following ethical approval.

This study will provide evidence-based insights into the relative efficacy of Thoracic Squeeze and Manual Diaphragmatic Release techniques. Findings will guide physiotherapists in optimizing rehabilitation protocols for COPD patients, improving respiratory function, functional capacity, and overall quality of life. Moreover, the research aims to contribute to the standardization of physiotherapy practices for COPD management, ensuring consistent and effective patient care.

Conditions

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: OTHER
• Blinding Strategy: DOUBLE

Study Groups

Thoracic squeeze technique

The Thoracic Squeeze Technique is a manual physiotherapy intervention aimed at improving lung function, airway clearance, and respiratory mechanics. It involves the application of gentle, rhythmic compression to the chest wall during the exhalation phase of breathing, followed by a release. This technique can be performed with the patient in a sitting, semi-reclined, or supine position, depending on their condition and comfort level.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Thoracic squeeze technique

Intervention Type: OTHER

The Thoracic Squeeze Technique is a manual therapy method used primarily in respiratory physiotherapy to improve lung expansion, enhance respiratory function, and facilitate secretion clearance in patients with respiratory conditions.

Manual Diaphragmatic release technique

The Manual Diaphragmatic Release Technique is a soft tissue manipulation technique used to improve the mobility, function, and efficiency of the diaphragm. It is commonly applied in physiotherapy, particularly in respiratory, musculoskeletal, and manual therapy practices, to address breathing dysfunctions, postural imbalances, and associated pain or discomfort.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Manual diaphragmatic release technique

Intervention Type: OTHER

The Manual Diaphragmatic Release Technique is a soft tissue manipulation technique used to improve the mobility, function, and efficiency of the diaphragm. It is commonly applied in physiotherapy, particularly in respiratory, musculoskeletal, and manual therapy practices, to address breathing dysfunctions, postural imbalances, and associated pain or discomfort.

Interventions

Thoracic squeeze technique

The Thoracic Squeeze Technique is a manual therapy method used primarily in respiratory physiotherapy to improve lung expansion, enhance respiratory function, and facilitate secretion clearance in patients with respiratory conditions.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Manual diaphragmatic release technique

The Manual Diaphragmatic Release Technique is a soft tissue manipulation technique used to improve the mobility, function, and efficiency of the diaphragm. It is commonly applied in physiotherapy, particularly in respiratory, musculoskeletal, and manual therapy practices, to address breathing dysfunctions, postural imbalances, and associated pain or discomfort.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients with mild or moderate COPD according to the GOLD criteria.GOLD 1: Mild FEV1 ≥ 80% predicted value, GOLD 2: Moderate FEV1 between 50% and 80% predicted value.
• Age between 40- 60 years.
• Both male and female.
• Patients who are willing to give voluntary consent to practice.

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients with unstable hemodynamic parameters (arterial pressure <100mmHg Systolic and <60 mmHg diastolic blood pressure.
• Patients who have undergone recent 6 to 12 weeks cardio thoracic or abdominal surgery.
• Patients who have a recent history of chest wall or abdominal trauma; substantial chest wall deformity History of recent fractures and cognitive impairments.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 40 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 60 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Sponsors

Riphah International University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Maria Naeem, DPT, MS-CPPT

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Riphah International University

Locations

Lady Reading Hospital

Peshawar, KPK, Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

References

Braz Junior DS, Dornelas de Andrade A, Teixeira AS, Cavalcanti CA, Morais AB, Marinho PE. Whole-body vibration improves functional capacity and quality of life in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a pilot study. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2015 Jan 12;10:125-32. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S73751. eCollection 2015.

Reference Type: BACKGROUND

PMID: 25624756 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

Sabaoon Ijaz

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id