The effects of a diaphragm stretching technique of pulmonary function, rib flare and quality of life in an asthmatic individual: an ABAB single-case research design.
Item
- Title
- The effects of a diaphragm stretching technique of pulmonary function, rib flare and quality of life in an asthmatic individual: an ABAB single-case research design.
- Author(s)
- Andersen, H
- Abstract
- Background: Asthma is a common disease that carries a significant socioeconomic burden for which there is currently no cure. High quality research and thus evidence for the effectiveness of manual therapy in the management of asthma is lacking. Objective: The objective of this study is to answer the research question: What is the effect of a diaphragm stretch technique on pulmonary function, rib flare and quality of life in asthmatic individuals. Design: Single case study with an ABAB structure. Methods: The subject was recruited from the student population at the European School of Osteopathy (ESO). lnclusion criteria included consenting ESO students, generally systemically well, between 18-50 years of age, currently experiencing symptoms of asthma, and a diagnosis of asthma. The study intervention consisted of a diaphragmatic stretch technique that was performed once a week over two separate periods of three weeks. Outcome measures included self-spirometer readings; Minr Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ) and rib flare over a twelve-week period. Rib flare and spirometer data was analysed applying a statistical control process whilst questionnaire data was analysed visually. Results: Rib flare readings and forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) remained statistically rnsignificant throughout the experiment. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the symptom domain score of the MiniAQLQ became, statistically significant in the third phase and remained so throughout, whilst the other domains did not. Discussion: This experiment supports the positive effect of a diaphragm stretching technique on PEF and symptom reduction. However, it is unclear as to the extent to which non-specific effects such as the training effect from selfspirometer recording or the Hawthorne effect may be reflected in the results. Methodological weaknesses in use of equipment and inclusion criteria may have further skewed the results. Conclusion: The results of this study may indicate that a diaphragmatic stretching technique can have a positive effect on PEF and symptom control in the management of asthma; however, more research is needed into this area.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2017
- Date Submitted
- 4.12.2017 17:06:20
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16028
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Asthma, Diaphragmatic Stretching, Spirometry, Single-Case Study
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Andersen, H, “The effects of a diaphragm stretching technique of pulmonary function, rib flare and quality of life in an asthmatic individual: an ABAB single-case research design.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/245