Changes in pulmonary function following thoracic spine manipulation in a healthy inactive older adult population—a pilot study

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 35; no. 7; pp. 492 - 496
• Main Authors: Jonely, Holly, Jayaseelan, Dhinu, Costello, Ellen, Signorino, Joseph, Wooten, Liana, Murray, Donal, Woolstenhulme, Josh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2023; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Original; Physical therapy; Pulmonary function; Spinal-manipulation; Ventilation; Pulmonary function; Spinal-manipulation; Physical therapy
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.35.492

[Purpose] Pulmonary function pathology is primarily treated pharmacologically, with a range of medication side effects. Few studies have systematically examined non-pharmacologic approaches such as joint manipulation effects on pulmonary function. This study examined the immediate and short-term effects of thoracic manipulation on pulmonary function. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-one physically inactive otherwise healthy participants aged 50 years or older were randomly assigned to either receive three sessions of thoracic manipulation (n=10) or three sessions of “sham intercostal training” (n=11). Outcome measures included forced vital capacity, maximal voluntary ventilation and thoracic excursion during maximal inhalation and exhalation. [Results] There was a statistically significant difference in maximal voluntary ventilation in the manipulation group, when measured within a week of the third intervention session and immediate effects in thoracic excursion during exhalation in the sham group following a single intervention session. There were no significant changes in other measures. [Conclusion] Spinal manipulation had no immediate effect on pulmonary function, however, affected an improvement in maximal voluntary ventilation within 7 days following a third session. The sham intervention showed a change in thoracic excursion during exhalation after the first session. Future research is necessary to further explore the relationship between thoracic manipulation and pulmonary function.