Muscle Energy Techniques in COPD Patients

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Interventions: Other: Muscle Energy Techniques

• Registration Number: NCT04773860
• Lead Sponsor: University of Malta

Brief Summary

Patients diagnosed with COPD as a result of hyperinflation adapt to the increased workload through shortening and overactivation of other muscles because of their dual function as muscles of the upper limb and neck motion which makes them limited in function and decreases the range of motion in these joints. Another resultant effect of these changes is the shortness of breath taking place following the inability of patients to perform daily activities.

Current research is focusing on the use of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) for such circumstances. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether METs result in an improvement in rib cage mobility which could potentially lead to improvements in pulmonary function and activities of daily of living (ADLs) in a group of patients diagnosed with COPD. If positive results are obtained, such an intervention might provide a possible addition to the evidence-based interventions already available for COPD patients. The result of this intervention may provide physiotherapists with further techniques for use in such patients; ones which will be of benefit to the patients and their quality of life and also to the health services.

Detailed Description

Patients diagnosed with COPD as a result of hyperinflation adapt to the increased workload through shortening and overactivation of other muscles because of their dual function as muscles of the upper limb and neck motion which makes them limited in function and decreases the range of motion in these joints. Another resultant effect of these changes is the shortness of breath taking place following the inability of patients to perform daily activities.

Current research is focusing on the use of Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) for such circumstances. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate whether METs result in an improvement in rib cage mobility which could potentially lead to improvements in pulmonary function and activities of daily of living (ADLs) in a group of patients diagnosed with COPD. If positive results are obtained, such an intervention might provide a possible addition to the evidence-based interventions already available for COPD patients. The result of this intervention may provide physiotherapists with further techniques for use in such patients; ones which will be of benefit to the patients and their quality of life and also to the health services.

A randomised controlled trial (RCT) shall be carried out on an approximate sample of 110 patients diagnosed with COPD. Participants shall be randomly assigned to an intervention and a control group. The intervention group shall be receiving a 4 week programme of Muscle Energy Techniques whereas the control group shall continue with their prescribed medications and any conventional physiotherapy sessions suggested for these patients.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2021-02
• Study Start: 2021-02-23
• Study First Submitted: 2021-02-23
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-02-25
• Last Update Submitted: 2021-02-25
• Study First Posted: 2021-02-26
• Last Update Posted: 2021-02-26
• Primary Completion: 2022-09-30
• Study Completion: 2023-06-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 110

Inclusion Criteria

1. The patient has to have been diagnosed as suffering from COPD by a medical consultant,
2. Be medically stable with no exacerbations within the past 2 months and,
3. Be between the age range of 40 to 79 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Rheumatoid arthritis,
2. Musculoskeletal or neuromuscular pathology and,
3. Cognitive disability that could affect comprehension or execution of the intervention protocol or outcome measurements

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Experimental	Muscle Energy Techniques	The experimental group shall be receiving a 4 week programme of Muscle Energy Techniques on the following accessory muscles; Sternocleidomastoid, Pectoralis Minor, Trapezius, Scalene muscles and Latissimus Dorsi

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Lung function test	Week 0, Week 4 and Week 8	Spirometry
Change in Chest expansion	Week 0, Week 4 and Week 8	Chest expansion using a tape measure
Change in 6 Minute Walk Test	Week 0, Week 4 and Week 8	An endurance test over a 6 minute time frame using a 30m course
Change in Manchester Related Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire	Week 0, Week 4 and Week 8	MR-ADL is a reliable physical disability scale. It is a self-completed scale and usually takes around 10 minutes to complete. It assesses functional ability in 4 different domains, that is in the kitchen, mobility, domestic tasks and leisure activities