Asthma ChronicNCT07508267
Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching and Scapular Retraction in Asthma Patients
A study testing Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching and Scapular retraction in people with Asthma Chronic, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Patients with asthma frequently experience upper back stiffness and rounded shoulders and tightness in the thoracic region. Rib cage stiffness occurs due to poor posture and muscle tightness, which leads to decreased chest expansion and increased use of accessory muscles during breathing. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 50 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Asthma Chronic
- What is being tested?
- Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching and Scapular retraction
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 54 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 17 Apr 2025to 17 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
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 50 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age between (18 to 50).
- Confirmed diagnosis of asthma based on clinical guidelines.
- Nonsmoker.
- Chronic asthma.
- Thoracic spine abnormality
Who cannot join
- Acute asthma
- Recent exacerbations.
- History of severe cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, infectious diseases.
- Any neurological condition.
- Cognitive impairment.
- Any recent injury of spine, shoulder, or rib cage that limit mobility or cause pain.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching and Scapular Retraction on Chest Expansion, Pulmonary Function Test and Dyspnea in Asthma Patients
Patients with asthma frequently experience upper back stiffness and rounded shoulders and tightness in the thoracic region. Rib cage stiffness occurs due to poor posture and muscle tightness, which leads to decreased chest expansion and increased use of accessory muscles during breathing. Additionally, rounded shoulders can hinder proper opening of the chest, preventing the lungs from expanding properly. Thoracic spine rotation stretching targets the thoracic paraspinal muscles, erector spinae, and intercostal muscles. This exercise helps improve thoracic mobility, increases chest expansion and pulmonary function, and reduces dyspnea. The other exercise is Scapular Retraction, which targets the rhomboids, trapezius, and posterior deltoids that help in chest opening and lead to chest expansion and allow lungs to expand more fully during inhalation. Together, these exercises improve chest expansion and pulmonary function, reduce dyspnea, and improve posture.
Read the detailed description
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition that affects millions worldwide, characterized by airway inflammation and reversible airflow obstruction. Patients often experience difficulty in breathing, which can severely impact their quality of life. People with asthma are less active that their peers, and consequently, the patient becomes more sedentary. This study focusses to compare the effects of thoracic spine rotation stretching and Scapular Retraction exercises on chest expansion, pulmonary function, and dyspnea in patients with asthma. By investigating these interventions, the study seeks to provide practical recommendations for enhancing the management of asthma symptoms, ultimately improving respiratory function and mobility may improve asthma control and quality of life.
A randomized clinical trial will enroll participants aged 18 to 50 with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic asthma. The study will take place at Rai Medical College Teaching Hospital Sargodha, utilizing a non- probability convenient sampling technique for participant selection. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups using a lottery method, ensures a diverse yet unbiased sample. Group A will perform thoracic spine rotation stretching, while Group B will engage in Scapular Retraction exercises, following a standardized warm-up. Baseline treatment will include breathing exercises, postural education, bronchodilators, and nebulization Each group will engage in their respective exercises for a defined duration, focusing on improving respiratory mechanics and muscle flexibility. Study will be completed in 4 weeks (3x/week). After data collection, data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period, measuring chest expansion with a measuring tape, pulmonary function through digital spirometer (including FEV1 and FVC their ratio and peak expiratory flow), and dyspnea levels using the Modified borg dyspnea scale, thoracic rotation range of motion measured with a goniometer. The integration of targeted physical therapy in this study has the potential to significantly improve asthma management by enhancing respiratory function, reducing dyspnea, and increasing chest expansion.
- Conditions
- Asthma Chronic
- Being tested
- Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching, Scapular retraction
- Keywords
- Asthma, Chest Expansion, Dyspnea, Pulmonary Function, Scapular Retraction, Thoracic Spine Rotation
- Medical subject headings
- Asthma, Dyspnea
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Thoracic Spine Rotation StretchingOther
Thoracic spine rotation stretching consists of controlled rotational movements of the thoracic spine performed to improve thoracic mobility. The exercises are administered under supervision, three sessions per week for four weeks, using standardized repetitions within a comfortable range of motion.
Scapular retractionOther
Scapular retraction exercises involve active scapular retraction movements performed to improve shoulder and upper thoracic mobility. The intervention is administered under supervision, three sessions per week for four weeks in individuals with chronic asthma.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching Group | Experimental | Participants will undergo thoracic spine rotation stretching exercises to assess their effects on pulmonary function, chest expansion, and dyspnea and also improve thoracic rotation . The intervention will be provided 3 sessions per week for a duration of four weeks in individuals with chronic asthma. Receives: Other: Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching |
| Scapular retraction Group | Experimental | Participants will perform Scapular Retraction exercises to evaluate their effects on pulmonary function, chest expansion, and dyspnea. The intervention will be provided three sessions per week for a duration of four weeks in individuals with chronic asthma. Receives: Other: Scapular retraction |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Modified borg scale
Dyspnea at rest was assessed using the modified Borg scale. It is a well-validated scoring system using a 0-to-10-point scale.The intensity of dyspnea is most often assessed according to a symptom scale, with the modified Borg scale, which measures dyspnea on a scale of 0-10 arbitrary units, being used most frequently.It is a validated dyspnea scale ranging from 0 ("no shortness of breath") to 10 ("worst shortness of breath") points.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Digital spirometer:
A digital spirometer will be used to measure pulmonary function tests including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC.The normal values of FEV1/FVC ratio are >0.70 and FVC, FEV1 are >80% or predicted age.
Measured: 4 weeks
Secondary outcomes (1)
Tape measure
Chest expansion was measured using a measurement tape (Baseline 12-1201 with Gulick attachment, Fabrication Enterprises Inc., New York, NY, USA) to determine the difference between rib cage circumference at the end of forced expiration and rib cage circumference at the end of forced inspiration. Chest expansion measurement is highly reliable with an interexaminer intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99.The chest circumference was measured in cm at maximum inspiration and maximum expiration by horizontally passing through the junction of the xiphoid process and the body of the sternum so that the chest girth was exposed.The tape measure is wrapped around the thorax in a level position and pulled just taut (but not restricting chest expansion) at three anatomic sites.1. The angle of Louis on the sternum .2.The xiphoid process for mid-chest expansion 3.The midpoint between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus for lower chest expansion, where most of the bucket handle motion occur.
Measured: 4 Weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Apr 2026
- Study start17 Apr 2025
- Primary completion17 Dec 2025
- Study completion17 Dec 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Asthma ChronicStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- 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
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Riffat Malik, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07508267
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- Mehwish Atta
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 27 Mar 2026
- Last updated
- 28 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 28 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching and Scapular Retraction on Chest Expansion, Pulmonary Function Test and Dyspnea in Asthma Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07508267
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- Mehwish Atta
- Conditions
- Asthma Chronic
- Keywords
- Asthma, Chest Expansion, Dyspnea, Pulmonary Function, Scapular Retraction, Thoracic Spine Rotation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 54 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 17 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 17 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 17 Dec 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Apr 2026 (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.
Patients with asthma frequently experience upper back stiffness and rounded shoulders and tightness in the thoracic region. Rib cage stiffness occurs due to poor posture and muscle tightness, which leads to decreased chest expansion and increased use of accessory muscles during breathing. Additionally, rounded shoulders can hinder proper opening of the chest, preventing the lungs from expanding properly. Thoracic spine rotation stretching targets the thoracic paraspinal muscles, erector spinae, and intercostal muscles. This exercise helps improve thoracic mobility, increases chest expansion and pulmonary function, and reduces dyspnea. The other exercise is Scapular Retraction, which targets the rhomboids, trapezius, and posterior deltoids that help in chest opening and lead to chest expansion and allow lungs to expand more fully during inhalation. Together, these exercises improve chest expansion and pulmonary function, reduce dyspnea, and improve posture.
Detailed description
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition that affects millions worldwide, characterized by airway inflammation and reversible airflow obstruction. Patients often experience difficulty in breathing, which can severely impact their quality of life. People with asthma are less active that their peers, and consequently, the patient becomes more sedentary. This study focusses to compare the effects of thoracic spine rotation stretching and Scapular Retraction exercises on chest expansion, pulmonary function, and dyspnea in patients with asthma. By investigating these interventions, the study seeks to provide practical recommendations for enhancing the management of asthma symptoms, ultimately improving respiratory function and mobility may improve asthma control and quality of life.
A randomized clinical trial will enroll participants aged 18 to 50 with a confirmed diagnosis of chronic asthma. The study will take place at Rai Medical College Teaching Hospital Sargodha, utilizing a non- probability convenient sampling technique for participant selection. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups using a lottery method, ensures a diverse yet unbiased sample. Group A will perform thoracic spine rotation stretching, while Group B will engage in Scapular Retraction exercises, following a standardized warm-up. Baseline treatment will include breathing exercises, postural education, bronchodilators, and nebulization Each group will engage in their respective exercises for a defined duration, focusing on improving respiratory mechanics and muscle flexibility. Study will be completed in 4 weeks (3x/week). After data collection, data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26. Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period, measuring chest expansion with a measuring tape, pulmonary function through digital spirometer (including FEV1 and FVC their ratio and peak expiratory flow), and dyspnea levels using the Modified borg dyspnea scale, thoracic rotation range of motion measured with a goniometer. The integration of targeted physical therapy in this study has the potential to significantly improve asthma management by enhancing respiratory function, reducing dyspnea, and increasing chest expansion.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching Group | Experimental | Other: Thoracic Spine Rotation StretchingParticipants will undergo thoracic spine rotation stretching exercises to assess their effects on pulmonary function, chest expansion, and dyspnea and also improve thoracic rotation . The intervention will be provided 3 sessions per week for a duration of four weeks in individuals with chronic asthma. |
| Scapular retraction Group | Experimental | Other: Scapular retractionParticipants will perform Scapular Retraction exercises to evaluate their effects on pulmonary function, chest expansion, and dyspnea. The intervention will be provided three sessions per week for a duration of four weeks in individuals with chronic asthma. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age between (18 to 50).
- Confirmed diagnosis of asthma based on clinical guidelines.
- Nonsmoker.
- Chronic asthma.
- Thoracic spine abnormality
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Acute asthma
- Recent exacerbations.
- History of severe cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal, infectious diseases.
- Any neurological condition.
- Cognitive impairment.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Thoracic Spine Rotation StretchingThoracic spine rotation stretching consists of controlled rotational movements of the thoracic spine performed to improve thoracic mobility. The exercises are administered under supervision, three sessions per week for four weeks, using standardized repetitions within a comfortable range of motion. | Other | Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching Group |
| Scapular retractionScapular retraction exercises involve active scapular retraction movements performed to improve shoulder and upper thoracic mobility. The intervention is administered under supervision, three sessions per week for four weeks in individuals with chronic asthma. | Other | Scapular retraction Group |
Primary outcome
Modified borg scale
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Dyspnea at rest was assessed using the modified Borg scale. It is a well-validated scoring system using a 0-to-10-point scale.The intensity of dyspnea is most often assessed according to a symptom scale, with the modified Borg scale, which measures dyspnea on a scale of 0-10 arbitrary units, being used most frequently.It is a validated dyspnea scale ranging from 0 ("no shortness of breath") to 10 ("worst shortness of breath") points.
Digital spirometer:
Time frame: 4 weeks
A digital spirometer will be used to measure pulmonary function tests including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC.The normal values of FEV1/FVC ratio are >0.70 and FVC, FEV1 are >80% or predicted age.
1 secondary outcome
Tape measure
Time frame: 4 Weeks
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 28 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Riffat Malik principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretching and Scapular retraction in people with Asthma Chronic, run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 5 inclusion and 6 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 28 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Modified borg scale (time frame: 4 Weeks). The study lists 2 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 28 Sep 2026.