Intercostal mobilization to improve breathing strength and lung function
Effect of Intercostal Mobilization on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Respiratory Function Parameters and Shuttle Walking Test Performance: A Randomized Controlled Study
NA · Abant Izzet Baysal University · NCT07352722
We will test whether gentle intercostal mobilization can improve breathing muscle strength, lung function, and walking performance in healthy sedentary adults aged 18–30.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Abant Izzet Baysal University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Bolu) |
| Trial ID | NCT07352722 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study enrolling 90 healthy but sedentary volunteers aged 18–30, randomized into intercostal mobilization, sham mobilization, or rest groups (30 per group). Baseline measures include a sociodemographic form, Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP), and the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test. Participants receive the assigned intervention and then repeat pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and the shuttle walking test after the intervention. The design compares real manual intercostal mobilization to a sham and a no-treatment control to isolate any immediate effects on respiratory mechanics and performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Healthy adults aged 18–30 with a sedentary lifestyle who have no neurological, orthopedic, or cardiopulmonary conditions and are willing to participate are the intended participants.
Not a fit: People with existing cardiopulmonary, neurological, or orthopedic diseases that affect breathing, older adults, or those who are physically active were excluded and are unlikely to experience benefit from these specific results.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could provide a simple hands-on technique to boost chest mobility, respiratory muscle strength, and short-term exercise performance, and inform use as a complementary therapy for breathing problems.
How similar studies have performed: Some small trials and case reports suggest manual thoracic techniques can modestly improve chest mobility and lung function, but high-quality randomized evidence remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be between 18 and 30 years old, * Have a sedentary lifestyle, * Be willing to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * History of neurological, orthopedic, or cardiopulmonary disease that could affect respiratory function, * Refusal to participate in the study
Where this trial is running
Bolu
- Bolu abant Izzet Baysal University — Bolu, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sezen Tezcan — Abant Izzet Baysal University
- Study coordinator: Sezen Tezcan
- Email: fztsezen@windowslive.com
- Phone: +905445723731
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy Volunteers