The effect of a muscle energy technique applied to the lower thoracic cage on lung function
Item
- Title
- The effect of a muscle energy technique applied to the lower thoracic cage on lung function
- Author(s)
- Churchill Ben
- Abstract
-
Objectives: To investigate the effect of a Muscle Energy Technique applied specifically to release the lower thoracic cage and free contractures within the diaphragm, on lung function as expressed by values for Forced Vital Capacity, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second and Peak Expiratory Flow in asymptomatic subjects.
Summary of background data: Very little data is available regarding the effects of manual therapy on lung function in either asymptomatic or symptomatic subjects. Related studies have indicated that although subjective improvements are often cited by subjects, objective improvement of lung function is rarely achieved in clinical trials.
Subjects: 20 females and 20 males, all asymptomatic, healthy non-smokers, who were students of osteopathy from the BCOM, London, between the ages of 20-40.
Methods: A Micro Medical Microlab 3300 spirometer was used to test lung function in accordance with British Thoracic Society guidelines. An MET involving rotation and side-bending of the lower thoracic cage was applied bilaterally, and after 5 minutes' rest lung function was measured again.
Results: Significant increases in mean values for Forced Vital Capacity and Peak Expiratory Flow were obtained post-treatment. (p=<0.5). No significant increase is claimed for values of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second, as the 95% confidence interval for mean increase post-treatment encompassed the 3% level of accuracy of the spirometric apparatus. No difference was found between values for males and females (p>0.05)
Conclusion: The technique is effective in improving aspects of lung function in asymptomatic subjects. This may have implications for the osteopathic treatment of patients with breathing pattern disorders, as well as a variety of conditions where sub-optimal function of the diaphragm is implicated. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13574
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Churchill Ben, “The effect of a muscle energy technique applied to the lower thoracic cage on lung function”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.org/s/orw/item/1183