MassageNCT06893445
The Effect of Deep Tissue Massage on Respiratory Parameters in People With Asthma
A study testing Deep Tissue Massage and Classic massage in people with Massage and Asthma Patients, run by Jagiellonian University at 2 sites in Poland.
Trial summary
Bronchial asthma, as a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. Standard treatment includes pharmacotherapy, but a holistic approach, including manual therapies, can support pharmacological therapy, reducing the need for drugs. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Massage, Asthma Patients
- What is being tested?
- Deep Tissue Massage and Classic massage
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesPoland
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 28 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- diagnosed with bronchial asthma
- stable health condition, allowing participation in the study
- informed consent to participate in the study
Who cannot join
- acute or chronic comorbidities that may affect the results (e.g. COPD, heart failure, cancer)
- any chest surgery performed within the last 6 months
- contraindications to massage (e.g. skin infections, wounds)
- pregnancy
- participation in other clinical trials in the last 3 months
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Sarah Duk, MSc contact
Poland2 sites
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jagiellonian University Medical College
Cracow
Bartosz Trybulec, PhD, +48 12 422 56 83, bartosz.trybulec@uj.edu.pl
Sarah Duk, MSc, sarah.duk@doctoral.uj.edu.pl
The "Wieliczka" Salt Mine Health Resort
Wieliczka
Marek Koprowski, PhD, +48 12 278 73 83, marek.koprowski@kopalnia.pl
Marek Koprowski, PhD
About this study
Bronchial asthma, as a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. Standard treatment includes pharmacotherapy, but a holistic approach, including manual therapies, can support pharmacological therapy, reducing the need for drugs.
The aim of the research is to verify whether deep tissue massage (DTM) techniques applied to the chest significantly affect respiratory parameters in people with asthma. The study is the next stage of the study conducted on healthy people. After obtaining positive results in the study involving people not suffering from respiratory diseases, the next step is to examine people with, in this case, bronchial asthma. It is important to determine whether the use of this form of manual therapy can bring benefits in the context of improving respiratory functions, reducing respiratory muscle tension and relieving subjective symptoms associated with asthma, such as shortness of breath or limitations in everyday functioning.
Read more
The hypothesis assumes that DTM techniques can have a bigger effect on the respiratory system than classic massage (CM).
The study is a randomized controlled trial, where participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the study group (subjected to DTM) or the control group (subjected to CM). Before and after the massage intervention, participants will undergo spirometry to assess the changes in respiratory parameters. The obtained data will then be analyzed for effects on respiratory parameters and differences between both groups.
- Conditions
- Massage, Asthma Patients
- Being tested
- Deep Tissue Massage, Classic massage
- Keywords
- deep tissue massage, spirometry, asthma, respiratory parameters
- Medical subject headings
- Asthma
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Deep Tissue MassageProcedure or surgery
Administered as a soft tissue mobilization performed by the therapist with fingertips, knuckles, elbows and/or fists on the tissues that manifest symptoms of fascial restrictions. The techniques were performed with individually adjusted force until the change (eg. increased mobility) in the tissue being treated was stated by the therapist.
Classic massageProcedure or surgery
The subject was lying supine on the table, with a roller placed under the knee joints, the upper limbs along the body. The following sequence of techniques was used in the longitudinal and transverse strands and in the intercostal spaces (excluding the breast in women): effleurage, friction, petrissage, pressures, tapotement and vibrations.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Tissue Massage Group | Experimental | The one session of deep tissue massage will be performed. The patient's positions will be changed depending on the specificity of used techniques. The following techniques will be used: • Shifting the rectus abdominis m., • Stretching of the fascia within the costal arches, • trigger points compression (30-60 s). • Stretching of the chest fascia, superficially with forearm or fingertips on intercostal muscles, • "filleting" the pectoral muscles, • "hook and stretch" with the proximal phalanges of the fingers 2-4 and the forearm • "filleting" between the pectoral muscles and the deltoids, • Releasing the lateral edge of the scapula using the fingers and stretching the tissues, Releasing the medial edge of the scapula using the fingers and the weight of the patient, • "hook and stretch" of the trapezius muscle, • Subsequently, the patient will take a prone position. • Stretching of the levator scapulae and supraspinatus muscles using the fist, forearm and elbow will be performed. Receives: Procedure: Deep Tissue Massage |
| Classic Massage Group | Active comparator | The one session of classic massage will be performed. The massage will be performed with moderate force. The entire procedure will take about 15-20 min. The sequence of standard classic massage techniques will be used in standard way and patterns. Receives: Procedure: Classic massage |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Assessment of change of lung vital capacity
The vital capacity of the lungs will be assessed with spirometer. The subject stood with legs hip-width apart. For each measurement, disposable cardboard mouthpieces will be used. The examined person holds the device vertically with both hands. At the examiner's command, subject will take in as much air as possible, then tightly biet the mouthpiece with his mouth, and with all of their strength, exhale air into the device for as long as possible. The subject will have only 1 attempt-measured values were recorded with an accuracy of 50 mL.
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of change of chest circumference
The chest circumference will be measured with a measuring tape, wrapped horizontally around the chest at the level of the xiphoid process. The subject stand with feet hip-width apart, arms hanging along the body. At the command, the subject will take a maximum breathe in (first measurement) and exhale to the maximum for the next (second measurement). Obtained values will be recorded with an accuracy of 0.5 cm.
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of change of blood oxygen saturation
Testing blood oxygen saturation will be performed in a sitting position with digital pulseoximeter. The device will be put on the second finger of the left hand each time. The highest value displayed by the pulseoximeter within 30 s will be recorded with an accuracy of 1%.
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Asessment of change of Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)
Dynamic spirometry test will be performed with spirometer to assess the peak expiratory flow (PEF) measured in liters per second [l/s]. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ". This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of change of Forced Vital Capacity
The forced vital capacity (FVC), measured in liters will be assessed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ".
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of change of Maximum Expiratory Flow
Assessment of the maximum expiratory flow (MEF), measured in liters per second will be performed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ". This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of change of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second
Assessment of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) measured in literswill be performed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ". This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of change of Maximum Voluntary Ventilation
Assessing the maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) measured in liters per minute will be performed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carried out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, inhale and exhale as quickly and as deeply as possible for 15 s until you hear the 'stop' command. This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Measured: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted25 Mar 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion28 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion28 Aug 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for MassageStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Jagiellonian University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Bartosz Trybulec, Jagiellonian University
- Investigators
- Bartosz T Trybulec, PhD, Study director, Jagiellonian University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06893445
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 118.0043.1.81.2025
- Status last verified
- Mar 2025
- First submitted
- 18 Mar 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Mar 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: due to The General Data Protection Regulation directives
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Mar 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Deep Tissue Massage on Respiratory Parameters in People With Asthma
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06893445
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 118.0043.1.81.2025
- Conditions
- Massage, Asthma Patients
- Keywords
- deep tissue massage, spirometry, asthma, respiratory parameters
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Jagiellonian UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 28 Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 28 Aug 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 25 Mar 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Bronchial asthma, as a chronic inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract, significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. Standard treatment includes pharmacotherapy, but a holistic approach, including manual therapies, can support pharmacological therapy, reducing the need for drugs.
The aim of the research is to verify whether deep tissue massage (DTM) techniques applied to the chest significantly affect respiratory parameters in people with asthma. The study is the next stage of the study conducted on healthy people. After obtaining positive results in the study involving people not suffering from respiratory diseases, the next step is to examine people with, in this case, bronchial asthma. It is important to determine whether the use of this form of manual therapy can bring benefits in the context of improving respiratory functions, reducing respiratory muscle tension and relieving subjective symptoms associated with asthma, such as shortness of breath or limitations in everyday functioning.
The hypothesis assumes that DTM techniques can have a bigger effect on the respiratory system than classic massage (CM).
The study is a randomized controlled trial, where participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the study group (subjected to DTM) or the control group (subjected to CM). Before and after the massage intervention, participants will undergo spirometry to assess the changes in respiratory parameters. The obtained data will then be analyzed for effects on respiratory parameters and differences between both groups.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Tissue Massage Group | Experimental | Procedure: Deep Tissue MassageThe one session of deep tissue massage will be performed. The patient's positions will be changed depending on the specificity of used techniques. The following techniques will be used: • Shifting the rectus abdominis m., • Stretching of the fascia within the costal arches, • trigger points compression (30-60 s). • Stretching of the chest fascia, superficially with forearm or fingertips on intercostal muscles, • "filleting" the pectoral muscles, • "hook and stretch" with the proximal phalanges of the fingers 2-4 and the forearm • "filleting" between the pectoral muscles and the deltoids, • Releasing the lateral edge of the scapula using the fingers and stretching the tissues, Releasing the medial edge of the scapula using the fingers and the weight of the patient, • "hook and stretch" of the trapezius muscle, • Subsequently, the patient will take a prone position. • Stretching of the levator scapulae and supraspinatus muscles using the fist, forearm and elbow will be performed. |
| Classic Massage Group | Active comparator | Procedure: Classic massageThe one session of classic massage will be performed. The massage will be performed with moderate force. The entire procedure will take about 15-20 min. The sequence of standard classic massage techniques will be used in standard way and patterns. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- diagnosed with bronchial asthma
- stable health condition, allowing participation in the study
- informed consent to participate in the study
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- acute or chronic comorbidities that may affect the results (e.g. COPD, heart failure, cancer)
- any chest surgery performed within the last 6 months
- contraindications to massage (e.g. skin infections, wounds)
- pregnancy
- participation in other clinical trials in the last 3 months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Tissue MassageAdministered as a soft tissue mobilization performed by the therapist with fingertips, knuckles, elbows and/or fists on the tissues that manifest symptoms of fascial restrictions. The techniques were performed with individually adjusted force until the change (eg. increased mobility) in the tissue being treated was stated by the therapist. | Procedure or surgery | Deep Tissue Massage Group |
| Classic massageThe subject was lying supine on the table, with a roller placed under the knee joints, the upper limbs along the body. The following sequence of techniques was used in the longitudinal and transverse strands and in the intercostal spaces (excluding the breast in women): effleurage, friction, petrissage, pressures, tapotement and vibrations. | Procedure or surgery | Classic Massage Group |
Primary outcome
Assessment of change of lung vital capacity
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
The vital capacity of the lungs will be assessed with spirometer. The subject stood with legs hip-width apart. For each measurement, disposable cardboard mouthpieces will be used. The examined person holds the device vertically with both hands. At the examiner's command, subject will take in as much air as possible, then tightly biet the mouthpiece with his mouth, and with all of their strength, exhale air into the device for as long as possible. The subject will have only 1 attempt-measured values were recorded with an accuracy of 50 mL.
Assessment of change of chest circumference
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
The chest circumference will be measured with a measuring tape, wrapped horizontally around the chest at the level of the xiphoid process. The subject stand with feet hip-width apart, arms hanging along the body. At the command, the subject will take a maximum breathe in (first measurement) and exhale to the maximum for the next (second measurement). Obtained values will be recorded with an accuracy of 0.5 cm.
Assessment of change of blood oxygen saturation
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Testing blood oxygen saturation will be performed in a sitting position with digital pulseoximeter. The device will be put on the second finger of the left hand each time. The highest value displayed by the pulseoximeter within 30 s will be recorded with an accuracy of 1%.
Asessment of change of Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF)
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Dynamic spirometry test will be performed with spirometer to assess the peak expiratory flow (PEF) measured in liters per second [l/s]. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ". This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Assessment of change of Forced Vital Capacity
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
The forced vital capacity (FVC), measured in liters will be assessed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ".
Assessment of change of Maximum Expiratory Flow
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of the maximum expiratory flow (MEF), measured in liters per second will be performed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ". This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Assessment of change of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessment of the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) measured in literswill be performed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carry out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, breathe in as much as possible, as quickly as possible, as intensively as possible, and while at the top of the inhalation, without waiting, breathe out as hard and as long as possible ". This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Assessment of change of Maximum Voluntary Ventilation
Time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups
Assessing the maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) measured in liters per minute will be performed with spirometer. The subject will sit with his legs on the floor-hip joint flexed at an angle of 70o-90o and carried out the following command: "Breathe calmly. On my command, inhale and exhale as quickly and as deeply as possible for 15 s until you hear the 'stop' command. This cycle will be performed at least 3 times obtaining 3 measurements and the mean value will be calculated.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Mar 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. due to The General Data Protection Regulation directives
Related trials for Massage
Not yet recruiting
Mechanisms of Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM) Force Dose-Response Effects in the Calf-Foot Region
Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion Due to Calf Muscle Tightness
Not yet recruiting
Effects of IASTM, Deep Friction Massage, and Sham Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization on Electromyographical Activation, Pain and Function in Non-Specific Low Back Pain
Low Back Pain, Trigger Point Pain, Myofascial
Recruiting
Longitudinal Stripping Massage vs. Percussion Device for Neck Pain: Ultrasound Study.
Chronic Neck Pain
Not yet recruiting
Effects of Environmental Comfort and Oral Motor Stimulation on Comfort and Oral Feeding Readiness in Preterm Infants
Prematurity, Feeding Behaviors
Not yet recruiting
Evaluation of Massage Therapy for Cancer Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors
Breast Cancer, Fatigue in Cancer Survivors
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Sarah Duk, MSc contact
Bartosz T Trybulec, PhD study director
Jagiellonian University
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Deep Tissue Massage and Classic massage in people with Massage and Asthma Patients, run by Jagiellonian University at 2 sites in Poland.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Poland. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Bartosz T Trybulec, PhD (12 422 56 83 ext. +48, bartosz.trybulec@uj.edu.pl), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Assessment of change of lung vital capacity (time frame: twice: before and immediately after procedure administration in both groups). The study lists 8 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Mar 2025.