Effects of Core Stability Combined With Diaphragmatic Strengthening Exercises Among Asthmatic Patients

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Mild Intermittent Asthma
• Interventions: Procedure: Core stability exercise; Procedure: Diaphragmatic Strengthening Exercise

• Registration Number: NCT06479902
• Lead Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad

Brief Summary

This is a quasi intervention study evaluating the effects of core stabilization exercises and diaphragmatic strengthening on thoracic kyphosis angle, diaphragmatic excursion, chest expansion, lung functioning (FEV1/FVC ratio) and quality of life, in individuals with mild intermittent or mild persistent asthma.

Detailed Description

This study evaluated the effects of core stabilization exercises and diaphragmatic strengthening on thoracic kyphosis angle, diaphragmatic excursion, chest expansion, lung functioning (FEV1/FVC ratio), and quality of life in individuals with mild intermittent or mild persistent asthma. Thirty-seven participants from Fauji Foundation Hospital Rawalpindi underwent assessments before and after an 18-session treatment regimen over three weeks. The measures included diaphragmatic excursion, thoracic kyphotic angle, chest expansion, spirometry, and asthma quality of life questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2023-07-15
• Primary Completion: 2024-04-18
• Study Completion: 2024-05-24
• Status Verified: 2024-06
• Study First Submitted: 2024-06-07
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-06-26
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-06-26
• Study First Posted: 2024-06-28
• Last Update Posted: 2024-06-28

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 41

Inclusion Criteria

• Age group: 18-34 years old
• Both males and females
• Individuals diagnosed with well controlled mild intermittent asthma or mild persistent asthma, at least six months prior based on referral from pulmonologist.
• Individuals who have weak core muscles
• Participating to the study in a voluntary basis

Exclusion Criteria

• Level 3 and above asthmatics or status asthmaticus
• Any congenital deformities of chest wall
• Demonstrated neuromuscular or neurological deficit/disease of chest wall.
• Cardiopulmonary diseases including coronary artery disease, heart failure NYHA classification, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathy, arrythmias, interstitial lung disease, COPD, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, cancers, etc.
• Any recent cardiothoracic or abdominal surgery or sternotomy
• Recent history of the blunt chest wall or abdominal trauma
• Unstable hemodynamic parameters (arterial pressure >140mmhg systolic and >90mmhg for diastolic
• Pregnancy
• Previous or parallel participation in interventional programs
• Any psychiatric illnesses

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Core stabilization and Diaphragmatic Exercise Group	Core stability exercise	The intervention consisted of 18 sessions over three weeks, following the FITT protocol. Each session included a warm-up (5 minutes), core stability exercises (15 minutes), diaphragmatic strengthening exercises (10 minutes), and cool-down (5 minutes), with rest intervals. Exercises progressed in difficulty on stable surfaces, tailored to each participant's tolerance. Warm-up exercises included activities like hopping and knee circles, while core stability exercises featured moves such as planks and side planks. Diaphragmatic exercises included diaphragmatic breathing in various positions.
Core stabilization and Diaphragmatic Exercise Group	Diaphragmatic Strengthening Exercise	The intervention consisted of 18 sessions over three weeks, following the FITT protocol. Each session included a warm-up (5 minutes), core stability exercises (15 minutes), diaphragmatic strengthening exercises (10 minutes), and cool-down (5 minutes), with rest intervals. Exercises progressed in difficulty on stable surfaces, tailored to each participant's tolerance. Warm-up exercises included activities like hopping and knee circles, while core stability exercises featured moves such as planks and side planks. Diaphragmatic exercises included diaphragmatic breathing in various positions.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle	18 days	Measured with Inclinometer
Diaphragmatic Excursion	18 days	Measured using Tape method
Chest Expansion	18 days	Measured using Tape method
FEV1/FVC ratio	18 days	Measured using Spirometer
Quality of Life of patient	18 days	Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire with Standardized Activities. It is a 32-item Likert-type scale that measures the impact of asthma on daily activities, with scores ranging from 1 (severe impairment) to 7 (no impairment).

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Foundation University College of Physical Therapy; 🇵🇰 Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan