Intercostal and Thoracic Cage Stretching on Chest Expansion , Dyspnea ,Oxygen Saturation in Asthma

Riphah International University56 enrolled

Overview

The rationale of this study is to clarify distinct role of these two stretching techniques in pulmonary rehabilitation. Insight gained from this research could provide evidence based recommendations for implementing these therapeutic approaches, aiming to optimize symptoms in asthma patients. so improved respiratory function and muscular flexibility can empower individuals with asthma to better manage their condition, weakening of muscles, airflow obstruction , reduce the effort required for daily activities and engage more fully in physical and everyday tasks thereby enhancing overall quality of life.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by the inflammation and constriction of the airways, resulting in recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. This condition often results in the weakening and atrophy of muscles, particularly the key areas impacted include the respiratory muscles like intercostal muscles, muscles in the chest, shoulders, thoracic become weaker due to decreased physical activity. Stretching exercises can offer several benefits for individuals with asthma by improving overall lung function, enhancing muscle strength, and promoting relaxation. The objective of this study will be to evaluate the effects of intercostal and thoracic cage stretching on chest expansion, dyspnea, and oxygen saturation in asthma patients. This study will be conducted as a randomized clinical trial with enrollment of 56 participants, that will divided equally into two groups. Group A will receive intercostal muscle stretching like lateral side bending stretch, torso rotational stretch, (4x\\week) or Group B will undergo thoracic cage stretching like overhead arm chest stretch, chest opener stretch,(4x\\week) .Study will be conducted for four weeks at sheikh zaid hospital Lahore, involving asthma patients both male and female. Key outcome measures will include chest expansion assessed using tape measure, dyspnea via Borg category scale, oxygen saturation via pulse oximeter. The non-probability convenient sampling technique, followed by random allocation using a lottery method ensure diverse yet unbiased sample. Pre, Post values will be noted. Data will be entered and analyzed by SPSS version 25 after checking normality of the data. Parametric and non-parametric test will be applied. Statistical significance will be set at P=0.05.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Interventions

thoracic cage stretchingOTHER

thoracic cage stretching involve Sessions 4 times per week ,Intensity Stretch to the point of mild discomfort, but not pain. The goal is to feel a gentle stretch in the muscles being targeted, promoting flexibility without risking injury. Duration of Sessions: Each session should last about 30-40 minutes. Exercise Duration: Each exercise should involve 10repetitions ,Hold stretch for 10-30 sec. sets: 1-2, Rest for 1- 2 minutes between these two exercises. Types :chest opener stretch and overhead arm chest stretch

intercostal stretchingOTHER

intercostal stretching involve Sessions 4 times per week ,Intensity Stretch to the point of mild discomfort, but not pain. The goal is to feel a gentle stretch in the muscles being targeted, promoting flexibility without risking injury. Duration of Sessions: Each session should last about 30-40 minutes. Exercise Duration: Each exercise should involve 10repetitions ,Hold stretch for 10-30 sec. sets: 1-2, Rest for 1- 2 minutes between these two exercises. Types :lateral side bend stretch and torso rotational stretch

Eligibility

Sex: ALL

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: Both males and females ,Diagnosed asthma patients ,All patients must have variable respiratory symptoms (cough, wheeze, shortness of breath, and/or chest tightness),All patients have to be clinically stable (ie, no exacerbations or changes in medication for the last 4 weeks before enrollment, sedentary life (doing \<60 min of physical activity per week) Exclusion Criteria: Other respiratory disease , Any orthopedic limitations ,Pediatric population ,Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension ,Cardiovascular condition, pregnancy ,Smokers/ex-smokers

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

chest expansion

To measure chest expansion, we used a plastic tape measure. Stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, ideally wearing minimal clothing. First, measure your chest at rest by wrapping the tape around the widest part, under the armpits, across the nipples and at the level of xiphoid process, ensuring it's snug but not tight. Take this measurement after a normal exhalation. Next, for maximum expansion, take a deep breath and fully expand your chest, then measure again in the same spot at full inhalation. To find your chest expansion, subtract the resting measurement from the expanded measurement. It's best to repeat the process for accuracy,

Time frame: 4 week

Secondary Outcomes

dyspnea

The Borg Category Scale for dyspnea is a valuable tool for assessing breathlessness in asthma patients, ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no breathlessness and 10 represents maximal breathlessness. This scale enables patients to communicate their level of discomfort during various activities. During the study, participants were asked to rate their dyspnea before and after performing the exercises, providing a clear indication of any changes in their respiratory comfort. So we gained comprehensive insights into the effectiveness of the interventions in asthma patients.

Time frame: for 4 weeks