The aims of this study are to evaluate the effects of Diaphragm Release Manual Technique on diaphragm mobility, chest wall kinematics and functional capacity of COPD patients. Methods: Randomized controlled trial (double blinded) with COPD patients, allocated in two group: intervention (IG) who will receive the Diaphragm Release manual technique on 6 non-consecutive sessions and control group (CG), who will receive a sham protocol (light touch) with the same parameters of IG. Outcomes will be evaluated as: immediate and post treatment effects (after 1 and 6 sessions respectively). The primary outcome analysed will be the diaphragm displacement (ultrasonography evaluation) and secondary outcomes will comprise abdominal and chest wall kinematics.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
26
The therapist performs manual contact (pisiform, ulnar edge and the last three fingers) with the underside of the costal cartilage of the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th rib, and guiding forearms toward the shoulders of the corresponding side. During inspiration, pulls the points of contact with both hands, in the direction of the head, accompanying the elevation movement of the ribs. During exhalation, deepens contact toward the inner costal, maintaining resistance. 2 sets x 10 breaths (1 min interval). Treatment will last two weeks (6 sessions) All patients will undertake four evaluations throughout treatment: Baseline Day 1 and post Day 1; Baseline Day 6 and post Day 6.
Manual Diaphragm release technique (sham) In attempt to execute the sham protocol the therapist performs manual contact (pisiform, ulnar edge and the last three fingers) with the underside of the costal cartilage of the 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th rib. The therapist will hold only light touch in the landmarks, without exerting pressure or traction. The maneuver will be performed in two sets of ten deep breaths, with an one minute interval between them.
UFPernambuco
Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
Diaphragm mobility
To evaluate diaphragmatic mobility a high-resolution ultrasound SonoaceR3 (Samsung Medison - South Korea) with a 3.5 MHz convex transducer will be used. Volunteers will remain in a supine position and receive verbal command to perform Inspiratory capacity maneuvers (IC), and the measurement of each curve referring to the diaphragmatic displacement (in mm) will be performed immediately after obtaining the images. The maneuvers will be repeated until obtaining 5 satisfactory images. The average of the three highest values not differing by more than 10% between their values should be accepted.
Time frame: Diaphragm mobility at first session and after two weeks of treatment.
Compartmental Chest wall volume
Compartmental Chest wall volume will be measured by Opto-electronic Plethysmograph (OEP) (BTS Bioengineering, Italy) with 89 reflective markers placed on volunteer´s skin surface using a hypoallergenic adhesive on specific anatomical points of the chest wall and abdomen. Thus, changes in chest wall volumes are going to be calculated, allowing to acquire total chest wall volume (Vcw) and the division into three compartments, namely: pulmonary rib cage (Rc,p), abdominal rib cage (Rc,a) and abdomen (Ab) during quiet breathing, inspiratory capacity (IC) and vital capacity (VC), maneuvers.
Time frame: Compartmental Chest wall volume evaluated by Opto-electronic Plethysmograph at the first session and after two weeks of treatment
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