Intercostal Mobilization and Respiratory Outcomes

January 13, 2026 updated by: Sezen Tezcan, Abant Izzet Baysal University

Effect of Intercostal Mobilization on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Respiratory Function Parameters and Shuttle Walking Test Performance: A Randomized Controlled Study

This cross-sectional study was planned to investigate the effects of intercostal mobilization on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function parameters, and performance in the ascending speed shuttle walking test. The study will be conducted in a prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blind design. A total of 90 healthy volunteers aged between 18-30 years with a sedentary lifestyle will be included in the study. The individuals will be divided into 3 groups as Intercostal Mobilization Group (n=30), Sham Application Group (n=30) and Control Group (n=30) by simple randomization. Sociodemographic Data Form, Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, Pulmonary Function Test, Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement (MIP/MEP), Incremental Shuttle Walking Test will be applied to the individuals before the intervention. After the intervention, only pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle strength measurement and ISWT will be repeated. The study results are expected to contribute to the development of new evidence-based approaches to respiratory rehabilitation

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Breathing is one of the most fundamental biological functions that sustain life. The intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide are essential for sustaining life. Today, respiratory system diseases are among the major health problems worldwide, and according to World Health Organization (WHO) data, they are expected to be the third leading cause of death by 2030. Typical symptoms of these diseases include shortness of breath, coughing, depression/anxiety, fatigue, and pain. The intercostal muscles, which are among the muscles that assist in breathing, are located in the spaces between the ribs and play an important role in the expansion and contraction of the chest cavity. The external intercostal muscles are active during inspiration, while the internal intercostal muscles are active during expiration. The optimal strength and flexibility of these muscles directly affect the efficiency of lung ventilation. Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is a treatment approach based on the holistic relationship between body structure and function, aiming to increase structural mobility through various manual techniques. The American Osteopathic Academy describes OMT as a series of techniques focused on the principle that body structure and function are interdependent. Although OMT is not yet included among the standard treatment approaches for respiratory system diseases, it is gaining increasing attention as a complementary method to support thoracic mobility and lung function (intervertebral joints, costovertebral joints, bone structure, all ligaments, muscles, and fascia). The literature reports that applications targeting the intercostal region have positive effects such as an increase in tidal volume, improvement in chest expansion, and a decrease in dyspnea levels. Furthermore, it is stated that increased muscle activity in the intercostal muscles may lead to improvements in respiratory volume and capacity. However, the number of randomized controlled trials designed to attribute these effects solely to intercostal mobilization and conducted on young, healthy individuals is quite limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of intercostal mobilization applications on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory function parameters, and performance in the increased-rate shuttle run test. Conducted using a randomized controlled design, this research aims to contribute to the development of evidence-based new approaches to respiratory rehabilitation.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

90

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Be between 18 and 30 years old,
  • Have a sedentary lifestyle,
  • Be willing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

  • History of neurological, orthopedic, or cardiopulmonary disease that could affect respiratory function,
  • Refusal to participate in the study

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Basic Science
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Placebo Comparator: Control Group
Other: Rest
Individuals in the control group will be instructed to rest in a supine position for 10 minutes.
Sham Comparator: Sham Group
Procedure: Sham intercostal mobilization
Participants lie supine, with the physical therapist performing the mobilization standing beside the bed on the side where the mobilization will be performed. For intercostal mobilization, caudal fixation will not be performed clearly, and instead of fixing the upper edge of the rib, the caudal hand will be positioned on top of the rib. The level of distraction performed by the cranial hand will be reduced so that there is no opening in the intercostal space, and gentle stretches will be applied.
Experimental: Intercostal Mobilization Group
Procedure: Intercostal mobilization
Participants lie supine, with the physical therapist performing the mobilization standing beside the bed on the side to be mobilized. For the upper ribs (ribs 1-5), the ulnar edge of the caudal hand stabilizes the upper edge of the rib below the intercostal space from the anterior side. The cranial hand grasps the participant's elbow, which is in 90° flexion of the shoulder and elbow. For the lower ribs (6th-10th ribs), the caudal hand stabilizes the upper edge of the rib below the intercostal space to be stretched anterolaterally, using the thumb and index finger to grasp the rib. Using the cranial hand, grasp the elbow at the epicondyle level and secure the participant's forearm between your own forearm and thorax. Mobilization is performed by increasing the distance between the fixation hand (caudal hand) and the mobilization hand (cranial hand). The application will be performed bilaterally with 8-10 repetitions for each intercostal space.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)
Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 18 months
Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) will be assessed using a spirometer (MIR Spirobank Oxi) according to ATS and ERS criteria. The test will be repeated at least three times with forced expiration maneuvers in a sitting position, and the best value will be recorded.
through study completion, an average of 18 months
Forced vital capacity (FVC)
Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 18 months
Forced vital capacity (FVC) will be assessed using a spirometer (MIR Spirobank Oxi) according to ATS and ERS criteria. The test will be repeated at least three times with forced expiration maneuvers in a sitting position, and the best value will be recorded.
through study completion, an average of 18 months
FEV1/FVC ratio
Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 18 months
FEV1/FVC ratio will be assessed using a spirometer (MIR Spirobank Oxi) according to ATS and ERS criteria. The test will be repeated at least three times with forced expiration maneuvers in a sitting position, and the best value will be recorded.
through study completion, an average of 18 months
Mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75)
Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 18 months
Mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75) will be assessed using a spirometer (MIR Spirobank Oxi) according to ATS and ERS criteria. The test will be repeated at least three times with forced expiration maneuvers in a sitting position, and the best value will be recorded.
through study completion, an average of 18 months
Peak expiratory flow (PEF)
Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 18 months
Peak expiratory flow (PEF) will be assessed using a spirometer (MIR Spirobank Oxi) according to ATS and ERS criteria. The test will be repeated at least three times with forced expiration maneuvers in a sitting position, and the best value will be recorded.
through study completion, an average of 18 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Respiratory muscle strength
Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 18 months
Respiratory muscle strength will be assessed with a portable electronic mouth pressure device (MEC Pocket-Spiro® MPM 100) in accordance with European Respiratory Society (ERS) and American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines (ATS, 2002). Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) will be measured using Müller and Valsalva maneuvers. For MIP, participants will exhale maximally to residual volume, then inhale rapidly to total lung capacity; for MEP, they will inhale maximally to total lung capacity and then exhale forcefully. Assessments will be performed in an upright sitting position with a nose clip, and participants will be verbally encouraged. The highest value will be recorded, provided the difference between two trials does not exceed 5% or 5 cmH₂O. Percent predicted values adjusted for age and sex will also be used
through study completion, an average of 18 months
Shuttle Walking Test
Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 18 months
The shuttle run test is a maximal exercise test used to evaluate aerobic capacity and functional exercise tolerance. It is performed with two cones placed 9 meters apart, creating a 10-meter course including turns. Participants walk or run back and forth in time with audio cues, starting at a low speed that increases every minute. The test ends if the participant fails to reach the cone within 0.5 meters on two consecutive cues or develops limiting symptoms (e.g., chest pain, confusion, dizziness, severe fatigue, intolerable dyspnea, SpO₂ <80%). The test consists of 12 levels and is completed when the individual reaches the maximum level or cannot continue."
through study completion, an average of 18 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Abant Izzet Baysal University

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Sezen Tezcan, Abant Izzet Baysal University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

October 15, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

June 1, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

January 1, 2027

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

December 3, 2025

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 13, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

January 20, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

January 20, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

January 13, 2026

Last Verified

January 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • AIBU-FTR-ST-07

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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