Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Pulmonary Function

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The study was conducted to determine the effects of respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and musculoskeletal parameters in patients with chronic neck pain. It included 43 patients, 20-40 years old males and females having non-specific chronic neck pain for more than three months and with low maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) values were included. Control group (n=21) received conventional physiotherapy with diaphragmatic breathing exercises and experimental group (n=23) received conventional physiotherapy with specially designed respiratory exercise protocol. It concluded that RMT in addition to conventional physiotherapy is effective to improve musculoskeletal and pulmonary parameters in CNP patients.

Detailed Description
-----------------
To determine the effects of respiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and musculoskeletal parameters in patients with chronic neck pain. Study design: A randomized controlled trial Place and Duration of Study: Riphah Rehabilitation and Research Center in Railway General Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2019 to July 2019. Methodology: 43 patients, 20-40 years old males and females having non-specific chronic neck pain for more than three months and with low maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) values were included. Control group (n=21) received conventional physiotherapy with diaphragmatic breathing exercises and experimental group (n=23) received conventional physiotherapy with specially designed respiratory exercise protocol. They were assessed prior to, at 2nd week and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Official Title
-----------------
Effects of Respiratory Muscle Training on Pulmonary Function of Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

Conditions
-----------------
Chronic Neck Pain

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: Neck stretching exercises


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: . Patients having non-specific chronic neck pain with or without headache for more than three months with pain complaints at least once a week 2. Males and females both of age 20 to 40 years old 3. Patients with low maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) values i.e., less than 110 L/min in males and 80 L/min in females Exclusion Criteria: Patients already participating in physiotherapy program 2. Patients with past history of surgery to the cervical spine traumatic cervical injuries clinical abnormalities or surgeries of the thoracic cage or vertebral column severe obesity (BMI>40) pregnancy smoking history/occupational industrial exposures chronic neuro-musculoskeletal pain in any other non-related body area respiratory or cardiac illness, diabetes mellitus and serious comorbidities

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Interventional Model Description: Randomized Control Trial
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Respiratory muscle endurance training<br>Volume oriented incentive spirometer improves respiratory muscle endurance and chest expansion. | Other: Neck stretching exercises<br>* Neck stretching exercises towards lateral flexion, ipsilateral flexion and rotation and towards flexion each for 30 sec and repeated 2-3 times<br>|
| Active Comparator: Diaphragmatic breathing exercises<br>Improvement in diaphragm contraction, chest wall symmetry and reduce activity of accessory muscle due to diaphragmatic breathing technique causes respiratory muscle endurance to improve. | Other: Neck stretching exercises<br>* Neck stretching exercises towards lateral flexion, ipsilateral flexion and rotation and towards flexion each for 30 sec and repeated 2-3 times<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change from baseline in Pulmonary Function | Determines possible obstruction or restriction is present in patients suspect-able to lung dysfunction | Baseline and 4 weeks | 
| Change from baseline in Cloth tape measurement technique | Cloth tape measurement technique is used as an outcome measure for chest expansion in management of cardio respiratory conditions. | Baseline and 4 weeks |