International Journal of Medical Research & Health Sciences
  • Year: 2015
  • Volume: 4
  • Issue: 4

Effect of diaphragmatic and costal manipulation on pulmonary function and functional capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: Randomized controlled study

1Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

2Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

3Ph. D. in Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders, Cairo University Hospitals, Egypt

*Corresponding author: Abdelaal Ashraf AM, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt E-mail: drashraf_pt79@yahoo.com

Online published on 27 October, 2015.

Abstract

Many manual procedures have long been involved in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Few literatures evaluated the COPD responses to individual or multiple manipulative techniques, so effects are unclear and poorly understood.

to explore ventilatory functions (VF) and functional capacity (FC) responses to diaphragmatic or costal manipulation or both in COPD patients.

195 male patients were randomly assigned into diaphragmatic manipulation group (group-A; n= 46), rib raising group (group-B; n= 53), both procedures group (group-C; n= 50) and control group (group-D; n= 46). Treatment regimens were applied twice weekly for 12 weeks. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and FC (by 6 minute walk test "6MWT") were evaluated before and after the study.

At the end of the study; FVC, FEV1 and 6MWT mean values and percentages of increases were [3.63 ± 0.56 (4.52%), 2.46 ± 0.51 (14.42%), 416.35 ± 28.62 (3.82%)], [3.56 ± 0.38 (5.97%), 2.43 ± 0.48 (16.63), 415.28 ± 37.81 (3.04 5)] and [3.93±0.54 (16.92), 2.86 ± 0.5 (33.44%), 433.03 ± 46.76 (6.9%)] for group-A, B and C respectively (P < 0.05). There were also significant differences in FVC, FEV1 and 6MWT mean values between groups at the end of the study but in favor of group-C (P< 0.05).

Diaphragmatic and costal manipulative procedures are effective therapeutic tools in improving VF and FC in COPD patients especially if applied together.

Keywords

Diaphragm & Costal Manipulation, COPD, Pulmonary Function, Functional Capacity