The Effect of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Respiratory Functions in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chest circumference measurement

It will be performed in a standing position with body weight evenly distributed over both lower extremities. During the tidal volume maximum inspiration and maximum expiration, the body of the person will be surrounded by a tape measure separately from the fourth intercostal space (axillary region), xiphoid process and subcostal region lines. To determine rib cage mobility, the difference between chest circumference measurements at maximum inspiration and maximum expiration will be recorded in centimeters. Measurements will be repeated for both groups before and after the application.

Time frame: 5 minute

Popliteal angle test

Popliteal Angle Test will be used to evaluate hamstring muscle mobility. The person to be evaluated will be placed on the back with the hip and knee joints flexed to 90° and the contralateral side with the extremity extended. The person will be instructed to hold the back surface of the leg with their hands and maintain the flexion angle. Meanwhile, the inclinometer will be detected in the anterior-midline of the tibia. Then, the person will be asked to extend the knee as much as tolerated and the last degree of movement will be measured. It will be repeated before and after the application for both the treatment and control groups.

Time frame: 3 minutes

Finger-floor distance measurement

To consider the mobility of the posterior chain muscles as a whole, the finger-to-ground distance test with high reliability and sensitivity will be used. The person standing on a block with a height of 15 cm from the ground will be asked to bend forward and touch his toes without bending his knees, and at the end of the movement, the distance between the distal end of his extended fingers and the ground will be measured. Values above the block will be evaluated as minus, and values below the block will be evaluated as plus. The measurement will be repeated three times and the average value will be recorded. It will be repeated before and after the application for both the treatment and control groups.

Time frame: 3 minutes

Hand grip strength

Measurement will be taken with the patients in a sitting position, shoulder adduction, elbow flexion at 90°, forearm prono-supination neutral, and wrist joint in neutral position. 3 consecutive measurements will be provided with 60-second rest breaks between measurements and the result obtained from the average of the three measurements will be recorded. It will be repeated before and after the application for both the treatment and control groups.

Time frame: 3 minutes

6-minute walk test

The 6-minute walk test (6MWT) is the most commonly used field test in patients with COPD. Participants will be asked to walk the longest distance they can walk at their own pace for a period of 6 minutes, under the supervision of a physiotherapist, in a 30-meter straight corridor. After the test is complete, the total distance walked will be recorded in meters. It will be repeated before and after the application for both the treatment and control groups.

Time frame: 6 minute