Muscle energy techniques for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients : effects on pulmonary function and activities of daily living

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle Energy Techniques (METs) are well documented for their use in the treatment of multiple musculoskeletal dysfunctions in order to increase range of motion. In view of these physiological recommendations, these techniques have recently been subject to investigation in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with the aim of treating musculoskeletal alterations that result as a compensation for these respiratory mechanical changes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects on pulmonary function, chest measurements, functional endurance and activities of daily living. Method: A randomised controlled trial was adopted. 108 participants with a diagnosis of COPD were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Baseline outcome measures were performed in both groups which consisted of the pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), chest measurements and the Manchester Respiratory Activities of Daily Living (MR-ADL) questionnaire. The intervention group received a 4 week METs intervention performed on the accessory muscles of respiration, three-times weekly for 4 consecutive weeks, while the control group continued with their standard medical treatment. All outcome measures were repeated after 4 weeks, at the end of the intervention and again following another 4 weeks; that is at the 8th week timepoint. Results: Statistically significant improvements in pulmonary function measures (P = 0.001), chest measurements (P = 0.001) and MR- ADL (P = 0.001) were observed in the intervention group when compared to baseline. Clinical but not statistically significant improvements in 6MWT was also noted. Such outcomes were not observed in the control group. Conclusions: A 4 week METs programme resulted in significant gains making this intervention one which can be used as an adjunct with other non-pharmacological treatments for patients diagnosed with COPD to help manage their breathlessness, improve their respiratory function and their activities of daily living.