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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Mild Intermittent Asthma
• Intervention / Treatment: Procedure: Core stability exercise; Procedure: Diaphragmatic Strengthening Exercise

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 Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 41
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab
    • Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan, 46000
      • Foundation University College of Physical Therapy

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

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 Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Intervention / Treatment

Experimental: Core stabilization and Diaphragmatic Exercise Group; 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.

Procedure: Core stability exercise; Core stability exercises featured moves such as planks and side planks.; Procedure: Diaphragmatic Strengthening Exercise; . Diaphragmatic exercises included diaphragmatic breathing in various positions.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Thoracic Kyphosis Angle	Measured with Inclinometer	18 days
Diaphragmatic Excursion	Measured using Tape method	18 days
Chest Expansion	Measured using Tape method	18 days
FEV1/FVC ratio	Measured using Spirometer	18 days
Quality of Life of patient	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).	18 days

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): July 15, 2023
• Primary Completion (Actual): April 18, 2024
• Study Completion (Actual): May 24, 2024

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: June 7, 2024
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 26, 2024
• First Posted (Actual): June 28, 2024

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): June 28, 2024
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: June 26, 2024
• Last Verified: June 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Respiratory Tract Diseases; Immune System Diseases; Lung Diseases; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Bronchial Diseases; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; Hypersensitivity; Asthma
• Other Study ID Numbers: FUI/CTR/2024/14

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No