Short term effects of MET programme in patients diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Muscle Energy Techniques have been reported to provide beneficial effects on range of movement in multiple musculoskeletal dysfunctions. Noting these physiological effects and clinical recommendations, the effects of METs are given importance through investigations on their input in managing COPD symptoms. The maintenance of such outcomes has though not been investigated. Therefore, the aim is to look into the short-term effects, 4-week post completion of the intervention, on pulmonary function, chest measurements, exercise tolerance and ADLs.

Method

This paper reports outcomes from a randomised controlled trial. 108 patients with COPD were recruited and assigned to 2 groups. The intervention group underwent a 4-week MET programme applied to the accessory muscles of respiration. The control group on the other hand continued with standard medical treatment. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, at the 4th week time point on completion of the intervention, and again 4 weeks after. The outcome measures were performed in both groups which consisted of the pulmonary function tests, 6-min walk test (6MWT), chest measurements and the Manchester Respiratory Activities of Daily Living (MR-ADL) questionnaire.

Results

Significant improvements were observed after 4 weeks from cessation of MET intervention when compared to baseline for pulmonary function measures (p < 0.001), chest measurements (p < 0.001) and ADLs (p < 0.001), in subjects enrolled in the intervention group.

Conclusions

Significant short-term effects in outcome measures following 4 weeks from completion of the MET programme were observed in the intervention group.

Clinical trial registration: The study was clinically registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04773860)

Keywords:

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• respiratory diseases
• manual therapy
• long-term management
• physiotherapy

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank all the participants.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest

Additional information

Funding

The authors declare that no funding was involved in this study. Raw data was generated at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta. Derived data supporting the findings of this study is being presented as supplementary material.