Intercostal Mobilization and Respiratory Outcomes
Effect of Intercostal Mobilization on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Respiratory Function Parameters and Shuttle Walking Test Performance: A Randomized Controlled Study
Abant Izzet Baysal University
90 participants
Oct 15, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This cross-sectional study was planned to investigate the effects of intercostal mobilization on respiratory muscle strength, pulmonary function parameters, and performance in the ascending speed shuttle walking test. The study will be conducted in a prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blind design. A total of 90 healthy volunteers aged between 18-30 years with a sedentary lifestyle will be included in the study. The individuals will be divided into 3 groups as Intercostal Mobilization Group (n=30), Sham Application Group (n=30) and Control Group (n=30) by simple randomization. Sociodemographic Data Form, Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire, Pulmonary Function Test, Respiratory Muscle Strength Measurement (MIP/MEP), Incremental Shuttle Walking Test will be applied to the individuals before the intervention. After the intervention, only pulmonary function tests, respiratory muscle strength measurement and ISWT will be repeated. The study results are expected to contribute to the development of new evidence-based approaches to respiratory rehabilitation
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria3
- Be between 18 and 30 years old,
- Have a sedentary lifestyle,
- Be willing to participate in the study
Exclusion Criteria2
- History of neurological, orthopedic, or cardiopulmonary disease that could affect respiratory function,
- Refusal to participate in the study
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Interventions
Participants lie supine, with the physical therapist performing the mobilization standing beside the bed on the side to be mobilized. For the upper ribs (ribs 1-5), the ulnar edge of the caudal hand stabilizes the upper edge of the rib below the intercostal space from the anterior side. The cranial hand grasps the participant's elbow, which is in 90° flexion of the shoulder and elbow. For the lower ribs (6th-10th ribs), the caudal hand stabilizes the upper edge of the rib below the intercostal space to be stretched anterolaterally, using the thumb and index finger to grasp the rib. Using the cranial hand, grasp the elbow at the epicondyle level and secure the participant's forearm between your own forearm and thorax. Mobilization is performed by increasing the distance between the fixation hand (caudal hand) and the mobilization hand (cranial hand). The application will be performed bilaterally with 8-10 repetitions for each intercostal space.
Participants lie supine, with the physical therapist performing the mobilization standing beside the bed on the side where the mobilization will be performed. For intercostal mobilization, caudal fixation will not be performed clearly, and instead of fixing the upper edge of the rib, the caudal hand will be positioned on top of the rib. The level of distraction performed by the cranial hand will be reduced so that there is no opening in the intercostal space, and gentle stretches will be applied.
Individuals in the control group will be instructed to rest in a supine position for 10 minutes.
Locations(1)
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NCT07352722