Comparative Effects of Buteyko Versus Pilates Breathing Combined With McKenzie Neck Exercises on Lung Function and Chest Expansion in Asthmatic Patients With Forward Head Posture
Foundation University Islamabad
22 participants
Aug 20, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and hyperinflation that flattens the diaphragm and increases reliance on accessory neck muscles. Chronic overuse shortens these muscles and promotes forward head posture (FHP), which in turn compromises rib-cage motion and respiratory mechanics. Correcting FHP alongside breathing retraining may therefore improve lung function and symptoms in asthma. This interventional, parallel-group study investigates the combined effects of McKenzie neck exercises with two different breathing approaches on lung function, chest expansion, posture, and quality of life in adults with asthma. Participants are allocated to two groups for a 4-week program: Group A performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Pilates-based breathing; Group B performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Buteyko breathing.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Age group 18-40years
- Both males and females
- Individuals clinically diagnosed with asthma that is well controlled (Level 1 and Level 2) with FHP
- Not participated in any structured exercise regime for improving lung function during the past 6 months.
- Individuals well tolerated with a current exercise plan of combination exercises. (Buteyko breathing/Pilate breathing and McKenzie neck exercises
Exclusion Criteria11
- Level 3 and 4 asthma or status asthmatics.
- Any congenital deformity of the chest wall
- Any active infections like fever, TB
- Those with any contraindication to exercise testing or training.
- Recent history of any chest wall trauma
- Any abdominal or cardio thoracic surgery
- Any psychiatric illness
- Unstable Cardiopulmonary disease i.e. unstable angina, heart failure, recent MI.
- Unstable hemodynamic parameters (arterial pressure \>140mmhg systolic and \>90mmhg for diastolic
- Pregnancy
- Previous or parallel participation in interventional programs.
Interventions
Participants in this group will undergo a four-week intervention program combining McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing techniques. The McKenzie exercises will be performed at an intensity of five repetitions per exercise during the first two weeks, progressing to ten repetitions per exercise in the third and fourth weeks. Pilates breathing will begin with two sets of ten repetitions in the first and second weeks, progress to three sets of ten repetitions in the third week, and further increase to four sets of ten repetitions in the fourth week. The intervention will be carried out three days per week on alternate days.
Participants in this group will undergo a four-week intervention program combining McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing techniques. The McKenzie exercises will be performed at an intensity of five repetitions per exercise during the first two weeks, progressing to ten repetitions per exercise in the third and fourth weeks. Pilates breathing will begin with two sets of ten repetitions in the first and second weeks, progress to three sets of ten repetitions in the third week, and further increase to four sets of ten repetitions in the fourth week. The intervention will be carried out three days per week on alternate days
Locations(1)
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NCT07289789