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

Foundation University Islamabad

Status: Completed

Conditions: Mild Intermittent Asthma

Treatments: Procedure: Core stability exercise; Procedure: Diaphragmatic Strengthening Exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06479902

FUI/CTR/2024/14

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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

Enrollment: 41 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 34 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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41 participants in 1 patient group

Core stabilization and Diaphragmatic Exercise Group

Experimental group

Description:

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.

Treatment:

Procedure: Diaphragmatic Strengthening Exercise

Procedure: Core stability exercise