The Immediate Effects Of Diaphragmatic Release and Ribraising Techniques on Pulmonary Functions in COPD Patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. It's typically caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke.

AIM:  The aim of this study was to see the immediate effects of diaphragmatic release and rib raising techniques on the pulmonary functions in COPD patients.

METHODS: 30 subjects, both male and female of age group between 40-60 years diagnosed with moderate COPD were taken for study. Group A experimental group underwent 20 minutes of diaphragmatic release and rib raising techniques. Group B underwent a sham protocol for 20 minutes. The pre and post values of PFT (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC), SPO2 and chest expansion were statistically analysed and compared in both the groups.

RESULTS: There is no significant difference in the pre and post values of PFT (FVC,FEV1,FEV1/FVC)  and chest expansion in Group A experimental group, while there was significant change in the spo2 (p<0.05) values post the intervention. There was no significant change in the pre and post values of PFT (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC), chest expansion and oxygen saturation in group B control group.

CONCLUSION: study concludes that 20 minutes of diaphragmatic release and rib raising techniques did not have any significant immediate effects on the pulmonary function (FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC) and chest expansion of patients with moderate COPD, while there was a significant change in the values of oxygen saturation.