Effectiveness of 1st Rib Mobilization and Scalene Muscles Muscle Energy Technique Among Patients With Asthma

NCT07036887 | Active Not Recruiting Early Phase 1 DMC

• 1 other identifier: DPT/Batch-Fall20/1001
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 47
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of first rib mobilization and scalene muscle energy technique (MET) in improving respiratory function and reducing symptoms in patients with asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways characterized by bronchoconstriction, airway hyperresponsiveness, and mucus overproduction, often leading to respiratory difficulty and increased use of accessory muscles such as the scalene.

Conditions

Asthma

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)

  The total score has a maximum of 100 points, with values ranging from 0 to 100. The higher the number, the more impact the disease has.

  6 Month

Study Arms (2)

First Rib Mobilization + Respiratory Physiotherapy

EXPERIMENTAL

Diagnostic Test: First Rib Mobilization + Respiratory Physiotherapy

Scalene Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Respiratory Physiotherapy

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Combination Product: Scalene Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Respiratory Physiotherapy

Interventions

First Rib Mobilization + Respiratory Physiotherapy DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Patients were given post isometric relaxation for restricted first rib in sitting position and therefore the affected elevated first rib, opposite foot of therapist was placed on the table and patient non affected arm is 'dropped' on the therapist flexed knee. The practitioner's conjointly flexes the elbow on the non-affected side placed anterior to shoulder with the hand supporting the patient facet of head. Then therapist makes contact with the tubercle of the first rib with fingers or thumb of affected side (patient) disposing of available soft tissue. slack as steady force is applied in inferior direction. The therapist eases his flexed leg and uses his supported hand to encourage patient's neck into a side flexion and rotation to affected side thus unloading the scalene tension thereon side and encourage the first rib to move anteriorly and inferiorly

First Rib Mobilization + Respiratory Physiotherapy

Scalene Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Respiratory Physiotherapy COMBINATION_PRODUCT

MET for the scalene muscle, the participants were made to lie supine with a cushion or towel under the upper thoracic area. The PT placed his hand on the side of the participant's face/forehead to resist the isometric contraction and the other hand on the sternum. The participants were asked to perform the action of the anterior scalene muscle against PT resistance and hold it for 7-8 seconds followed by relaxation. (42) Along with the same respiratory physiotherapy protocol used in Group A. The treatment protocol was given for three sessions per week for four weeks

Scalene Muscle Energy Technique (MET) + Respiratory Physiotherapy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Both male and female age range: 18-65 years.
• Diagnosed with asthma according to the Global Initiative for Asthma criteria.
• Presence of musculoskeletal symptoms; Complaints of chest tightness, neck stiffness, or restricted upper thoracic mobility, often associated with dysfunctional breathing patterns.
• Ability to provide informed consent and comply with the treatment protocol.

You may not qualify if:

• clinically unstable or had a neuromuscular disease, unstable cardiovascular disease, or musculoskeletal disease that may interfere with exercise
• History of thoracic or cervical spine surgery, trauma, or fractures
• Pregnancy or postpartum status
• Rheumatologic diseases, a history of musculoskeletal trauma, or musculoskeletal malformations.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Superior University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Chaudary Muhammad Akram Teaching Hospital, Azra Naheed Medical College, Superior University

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Asthma

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Bronchial Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Lung Diseases, Obstructive; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Hypersensitivity; Hypersensitivity, Immediate; Hypersensitivity; Immune System Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: early phase 1
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 17, 2025
• First Posted: June 25, 2025
• Study Start: March 4, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 1, 2025
• Study Completion: September 30, 2025
• Last Updated: June 25, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)