This study aims to investigate the immediate effects of thoracic mobilization techniques on cough capacity, dyspnea, and pulmonary function in patients with restrictive lung disease. The intervention will be applied in a single session, and outcomes will be measured before and after the intervention to evaluate short-term physiological changes.
Restrictive lung disease (RLD) is characterized by reduced lung compliance and limited thoracic mobility, leading to decreased lung volume and impaired respiratory function. Manual therapy interventions such as thoracic mobilization have been proposed to improve chest wall flexibility and enhance respiratory efficiency. However, few studies have examined the immediate clinical effects of such interventions in RLD patients. This single-group pre-post interventional study will evaluate the short-term outcomes of thoracic mobilization techniques on cough capacity (as measured by peak cough flow), dyspnea (via Borg scale), and pulmonary function (forced vital capacity \[FVC\], forced expiratory volume in 1 second \[FEV1\]). The results are expected to provide preliminary evidence on the effectiveness of thoracic mobilization for improving respiratory performance in individuals with RLD.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
24
Participants in this group will receive thoracic mobilization techniques in addition to conventional respiratory therapy. Thoracic mobilization will be delivered by a licensed physical therapist using passive manual techniques targeting the thoracic spine and rib cage to improve chest wall mobility and respiratory function.
Participants in this group will receive conventional respiratory therapy, including diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, and chest expansion exercises. The therapy will be administered by a licensed physical therapist following standard pulmonary rehabilitation protocols.
Chungnam National University Sejong Hospital
Sejong, South Korea
Pulmonary function test
Pulmonary function will be assessed using a standard spirometry test, including FVC and FEV1. The test will be conducted by a trained technician according to ATS/ERS guidelines to evaluate respiratory function.
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after intervention on Day 1
Cough peak flow
Cough peak flow will be measured using a peak flow meter. Participants will be instructed to perform a maximal voluntary cough following a deep inspiration, and the highest value from three trials will be recorded. The assessment will be conducted by a trained therapist to evaluate cough capacity.
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after intervention on Day 1
Dyspnea
Dyspnea will be assessed using the modified Borg scale, a subjective rating scale ranging from 0 (no breathlessness) to 10 (maximum breathlessness). Participants will rate their perceived level of dyspnea at rest following the intervention. The assessment will be administered by a trained therapist.
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after intervention on Day 1
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