Breathing exercises for patients with rib fractures

Can Breathing Exercise Reduce Pulmonary Complications in Rib Fractures: Randomized Prospective Study

Not applicable Interventional Kastamonu University · NCT06222333

This study is testing if breathing exercises can help patients with rib fractures avoid lung problems better than just standard pain treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorKastamonu University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kastamonu)
Trial IDNCT06222333 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of respiratory physiotherapy in patients with rib fractures. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard analgesic treatment or a treatment group receiving additional breathing exercises using triflow for 8 hours a day. The study aims to compare the incidence of pulmonary complications, such as atelectasis and pneumonia, between the two groups. Patients aged 18 to 100 with isolated thoracic injuries will be included in the study, which will take place from April 2024 to April 2025.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 100 with isolated rib fractures occurring within 24 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with pneumothorax, hemothorax requiring intervention, severe injury, or pre-existing respiratory conditions like COPD or asthma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery and reduced pulmonary complications for patients with rib fractures.

How similar studies have performed: While respiratory physiotherapy is commonly used post-thoracic surgery, its effectiveness specifically for rib fractures remains controversial, indicating this study may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Isolated thoracic injury within 24 hours
* Age between 18-100

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pneumothorax and hemothorax requiring intervention at admission
* Injury severity index \>16
* COPD, Atshma
* Extrathoracic trauma

Where this trial is running

Kastamonu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rib FracturesSpirometry
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.