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The Effect of Manual Therapy Techniques on the Mobility of the Diaphragm in People With Asthma

Not Applicable
Recruiting
Conditions
Asthma
Interventions
Other: Sham Breathing Retraining Exercises Group B
Registration Number
NCT05709054
Lead Sponsor
University of West Attica
Brief Summary

The mechanical alterations related to the overload of respiratory muscles observed in people with persistent asthma can lead to the development of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Moreover, the produced lung hyperinflation and high lung volumes in the asthma crisis put the diaphragm at a disadvantage in terms of its length-tension curve and lowered its excursion and capacity to generate force. According to a preliminary study, manual therapy (MT) techniques can be used as adjunctive therapy in asthma treatment. The proposed protocol is the first randomized controlled clinical trial to assess MT's efficacy on the diaphragm's ZOA in conjunction with BRE in individuals with well controlled mild moderate and severe asthma. Many musculoskeletal and respiratory outcomes will be used to investigate the under-study therapies' impact.

Detailed Description

The diaphragm produces a craniocaudal movement of its dome during contraction, making it the most crucial breathing muscle due to its unique anatomical structure and contribution to minute ventilation (60%-80%). Patients with (COPD) or asthma often develop diaphragmatic dysfunction (DD). This DD is related to the mechanical linkage between its various parts, placing it at a mechanical disadvantage to the muscle fibers. The capacity of the diaphragm to elevate and extend the lower rib cage at the level of the zone of apposition is impaired by this pathological change. This change increases the work of breathing and weakens the diaphragm. People with moderate or severe asthma may experience pulmonary overstretching, which can lead to functional issues. How physiotherapy may increase the mechanical efficiency of the thoracic cage and the effectiveness of the respiratory muscles during breathing has been the main focus of studies in recent decades. Although the use of specific diaphragm MT techniques does not yet have sufficient research documentation, recently published studies reported that there are indications to support their positive effect on pulmonary rehabilitation. The efficacy of diaphragm MT methods has not been investigated in adults with asthma, although it has been investigated in pediatric asthma. The effect of diaphragms MT techniques in combination with BRE has not been investigated. The present study hypothesizes that the combination of the mentioned physiotherapy techniques will contribute positively to the length-tension relationship and mobility of the diaphragm and chest expansion in patients with asthma. Secondary positive improvements are expected in the domain of functionality, (b) the feeling of dyspnea, (c) disease control and (d) abnormal respiratory pattern. The amplification of the above in people with asthma using respiratory standards and applying diaphragm mobilization techniques will contribute to better disease management.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
6
Inclusion Criteria
  • Aged 18 - 60 years
  • Diagnosed with well controlled asthma (mild, moderate-severe) using spirometry
  • No acute exacerbation in the last two months
Exclusion Criteria
  • Cardiopulmonary diseases
  • Previous cardiothoracic or abdominal surgery
  • Patients who have a recent history of the chest wall or abdominal trauma
  • Patients with unstable hemodynamic parameters (arterial pressure >140mmHg systolic and >90mmHg for diastolic inability to understand the verbal commands necessary for the outcome assessments
  • Pregnancy
  • Neurological diseases
  • Previous or parallel participation in interventional programs.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Nijmegen QuestionnaireSham Breathing Retraining Exercises Group BScreening tool used to detect patients with hyperventilation complaints and DB patterns. Scores\>20 are used as the cut-score to identify DB in patients with various conditions. NQ values in healthy individuals range from 10 to 12 ± 7 and values do tend to decrease towards these levels after breathing retraining.
Asthma Control TestSham Breathing Retraining Exercises Group BThe ACT evaluates how well asthma affects daily functioning, and overall asthma control self-assessment. The score ranges from 5 (poor control of asthma) to 25 (well control of asthma). An ACT score \>19 indicates well-controlled asthma.
Sf-12v2 questionnaireSham Breathing Retraining Exercises Group BWith one or two questions per domain, it evaluates the exact eight health dimensions as the SF-36v2: Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health. Higher ratings indicate better physical and mental well-functioning, ranging from 0 to 100. It has been suggested that a cut-off of 50 or less be used to identify a physical condition, while a score of 42 or less may signify clinical depression
Borg scaleSham Breathing Retraining Exercises Group BThe Borg dyspnea scale is a simple, scoring system extensively used to evaluate symptoms of shortness of breath and provides valuable data. It begins with 0, where you have no breathing problems, and rises to 10, where you have the most respiratory distress. As a result, healthcare professionals need to give patients enough time to learn and make sure they comprehend before using it
Diaphragmatic excursion assessment with UltrasonographySham Breathing Retraining Exercises Group BThe time motion mode (M-mode) may be used to measure the diaphragm excursion in a curvilinear low-frequency transducer placed in the midclavicular line and angled in a cranial direction.
Chest wall expansionSham Breathing Retraining Exercises Group BThe difference between the values obtained during deep inspiration and expiration will be determined by tape ruler (cm), high degrees represent better outcome, low degrees represent worse outcome.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Diaphragmatic excursion assessment with UltrasonographyChange from baseline up to 6 weeks and up to 3 months

The M-mode line is placed at the posterior part of the diaphragm where there is maximal movement and excursion. On the right side, the liver acts as an acoustic window, and the diaphragm is easily identified as a hyperechoic curved line abutting the liver.

Chest wall expansionChange from baseline up to 6 weeks and up to 3 months

By placing the tape measure at the level of the axilla (about the level of the sternal angle of Louis), the level of the xiphoid process, or between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus, the therapist identifies the upper, middle, and lower chest wall expansion, respectively. The therapist should repeat the measurement at least three times for each level for higher fidelity.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Nijmegen QuestionnaireChange from baseline up to 6 weeks and up to 3 months

Screening tool used to detect patients with hyperventilation complaints and DB patterns. Scores\>20 are used as the cut-score to identify DB in patients with various conditions. NQ values in healthy individuals range from 10 to 12 ± 7 and values do tend to decrease towards these levels after breathing retraining

Asthma Control TestChange from baseline up to 6 weeks and up to 3 months

The ACT evaluates how well asthma affects daily functioning, and overall asthma control self-assessment. The score ranges from 5 (poor control of asthma) to 25 (well control of asthma). An ACT score \>19 indicates well-controlled asthma.

Borg scaleChange from baseline up to 6 weeks and up to 3 months

The Borg dyspnea scale is a simple, scoring system extensively used to evaluate symptoms of shortness of breath and provides valuable data. It begins with 0, where you have no breathing problems, and rises to 10, where you have the most respiratory distress. As a result, healthcare professionals need to give patients enough time to learn and make sure they comprehend before using it

Sf-12v2 questionnaireChange from baseline up to 6 weeks and up to 3 months

With one or two questions per domain, it evaluates the exact eight health dimensions as the SF-36v2: Physical Functioning, Role-Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role-Emotional, and Mental Health. Higher ratings indicate better physical and mental well-functioning, ranging from 0 to 100. It has been suggested that a cut-off of 50 or less be used to identify a physical condition, while a score of 42 or less may signify clinical depression

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dimitrios Tsimouris

🇬🇷

Ilion, Attiki, Greece

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