Buteyko versus Pilates breathing paired with McKenzie neck exercises for breathing and posture in people with asthma

Comparative Effects of Buteyko Versus Pilates Breathing Combined With McKenzie Neck Exercises on Lung Function and Chest Expansion in Asthmatic Patients With Forward Head Posture

Not applicable Interventional Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07289789

This program will test if adding either Pilates or Buteyko breathing to McKenzie neck exercises improves lung function and chest expansion in adults with asthma who have forward head posture.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment22 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 40 Years
SexAll
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad Academic / other
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
Trial IDNCT07289789 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This interventional, parallel-group program enrolls adults (18–40) with well-controlled asthma and forward head posture and assigns them to one of two 4-week combined exercise regimens. Group A performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Pilates-based breathing, while Group B performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Buteyko breathing. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include spirometry, chest expansion, postural measures, and quality-of-life questionnaires. The protocol excludes people with severe or unstable cardiopulmonary disease, recent thoracic surgery or trauma, active infections, pregnancy, or other contraindications to exercise.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–40 with clinically diagnosed, well-controlled (level 1–2) asthma and forward head posture who are not currently in a structured lung-function exercise program are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with severe (level 3–4) or unstable asthma, active infections, recent chest/abdominal surgery or trauma, unstable cardiopulmonary disease, pregnancy, or other exercise contraindications are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this combined posture-and-breathing approach could improve breathing mechanics, increase chest expansion, and reduce symptoms for people with asthma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials of breathing retraining and postural correction have shown modest improvements in symptoms and some lung mechanics, but the specific combination with McKenzie neck exercises is relatively untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age group 18-40years
* Both males and females
* Individuals clinically diagnosed with asthma that is well controlled (Level 1 and Level 2) with FHP
* Not participated in any structured exercise regime for improving lung function during the past 6 months.
* Individuals well tolerated with a current exercise plan of combination exercises. (Buteyko breathing/Pilate breathing and McKenzie neck exercises

Exclusion Criteria:

* -Level 3 and 4 asthma or status asthmatics.
* Any congenital deformity of the chest wall
* Any active infections like fever, TB
* Those with any contraindication to exercise testing or training.
* Recent history of any chest wall trauma
* Any abdominal or cardio thoracic surgery
* Any psychiatric illness
* Unstable Cardiopulmonary disease i.e. unstable angina, heart failure, recent MI.
* Unstable hemodynamic parameters (arterial pressure \>140mmhg systolic and \>90mmhg for diastolic
* Pregnancy
* Previous or parallel participation in interventional programs.

Where this trial is running

Islamabad

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 AsthmaBreathing exercisesRespiratory Function TestChest ExpansionMckenzie Neck Exercises
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.