Comparing chest PNF and chest mobility exercises for university students who smoke

Comparison of the Effects of Chest PNF Techniques and Chest Mobility Exercises on Respiratory Function, Chest Expansion, and Functional Capacity in University Students With Smoking Addiction: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional University of Yalova · NCT07488741

This trial tries two chest exercise programs to see if they help 18–24-year-old university students who smoke breathe better and improve lung function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 24 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Yalova Academic / other
Locations1 site (Yalova, Yalova)
Trial IDNCT07488741 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

At Yalova University, volunteers aged 18–24 who smoke will be assigned to either a chest PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) techniques group or a general chest mobility exercises group. The interventions focus on increasing thoracic mobility and respiratory muscle function using active and passive chest maneuvers. Measurements such as FVC, FEV1, chest expansion, and other physiological respiratory parameters will be recorded before and after the intervention. Participants must meet smoking, nicotine-dependence, and lung-function criteria and have no orthopedic or neurological barriers to exercise.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: University students aged 18–24 who have smoked for at least two years, smoke at least five cigarettes per day with a Fagerström score ≥4, have FEV1 ≥80%, and can perform exercise are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with COPD or asthma, recent cardiac or lung surgery, orthopedic or neurological conditions that limit exercise, or those who do not meet the smoking or lung-function criteria are unlikely to receive benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, these exercises could increase chest expansion, improve lung volumes, and reduce breathlessness during exercise for young smokers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous smaller studies of chest PNF and mobility exercises have reported improvements in lung function and chest expansion, so the approach has some supportive evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age of 18-24 years
* Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Questionnaire score ≥4
* Smoking for at least 2 years
* Daily smoking ≥5 cigarettes and at least 90 pack-years. Stable condition (no acute respiratory infection in the last 4 weeks).
* FEV1 ≥80%
* Voluntary participation in the study
* No orthopedic or neurological problems that would prevent participation in exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cardiac event or lung surgery in the last 6 months
* Respiratory problems such as COPD, asthma
* Orthopedic and neurological problems
* Termination of volunteering

Where this trial is running

Yalova, Yalova

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 SmokingSmokersExerciseProprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching
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.