Background and Objective: Information regarding the effects of physiotherapy on quality of life and alterations in pulmonary function tests among patients with thoracic discopathy is notably limited in the literature. This study aims to compare the effects of the classical physiotherapy approach and the addition of breathing exercises to classical physiotherapy on quality of life and respiratory function tests in patients with thoracic discopathy. Study Design and Methods: This controlled and randomized study includes 40 patients diagnosed with thoracic discopathy. Participants are divided into two groups. The first group undergoes 15 sessions of classical physiotherapy consisting of ultrasound, TENS, hot packs, and posture exercises. The second group receives the same classical physiotherapy program with the addition of respiratory exercises. The patients' disability, psychosocial well-being, and pulmonary function are assessed using standardized scales and questionnaires at baseline (pre-treatment) and after the 15-session intervention (post-treatment).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Application of 15 sessions of ultrasound, TENS, hot packs, and posture exercises.
Implementation of a respiratory exercise program.
Istanbul Medipol University Pendik Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)
FEV1 measures the volume of air forcefully exhaled in the first second of a forced exhalation, assessed via spirometry. The unit of measure is Liters (L). A higher value indicates better pulmonary function.
Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program.
Change in 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) Physical Functioning Score
The SF-36 questionnaire assesses health-related quality of life. The physical functioning subscale evaluates limitations in performing physical activities. The score ranges from 0 to 100. Higher scores represent better physical functioning and a higher quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program
Change in Resting Pain Intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Pain intensity at rest is evaluated using a visual analog scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents the "worst imaginable pain". A lower score indicates a reduction in pain intensity and clinical improvement.
Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program.
Change in FEV1/FVC Ratio Percentage
The ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), expressed as a percentage (%). This is measured via spirometry to assess airflow limitation. A higher percentage generally indicates better respiratory capacity.
Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program.
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