Muscle energy techniques application in acute pneumonia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Does Muscle Energy Technique (MET) application and deep breathing exercises, on the thoracic cage, improve chest wall expansion, reduce respiratory rate and effort, increase respiratory muscle power and reduce chest pain, more than deep breathing exercises alone, in a group of hospital inpatients with pneumonia
IRAS ID
172582
Contact name
David RJ Boiskin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 27 days
Research summary
The respiratory muscles and ribs are two main components of the respiratory pump. Optimal muscle strength and rib mobility are essential for normal respiration. Pneumonia causes swelling and pain of lung tissue. Pain and tissue swelling can inhibit normal expansion of the ribcage and, therefore reduce optimal air entry into the lungs. These associated complications with pneumonia can negatively alter the biomechanics of the ribs, thoracic expansion and normal inspiratory ventilation. Specifically, lung tissue swelling reduces lung compliance which then requires more inspiratory muscle strength to overcome this resistance. Secondly, pain inhibits muscle contraction, therefore making respiratory contraction less efficient. Patients will interpret having to recruit more muscles to increase ventilation as an increase perceived work of breathing, and will feel more short of breath.
A complication of not moving joints through their normal range of movement, is that they become stiff. In addition to this, stiff joints can become painful joints.
(MET), is an osteopathic manual technique that is able to mobilise tight and immobile soft tissues and bone, and restore normal biomechanical movement by restoration of the length tension relationship of muscle, and hence optimal muscle strength. Deep Breathing Exercises ( DBE), are predominantly used by physiotherapists after cardiothoracic and abdominal surgery, to prevent lung collapse and promote normal mucous clearance.
Rationale
It is hoped that with the addition of MET, that the affected thoracic joint will be restored to their normal biomechanical movement. With reduced joint resistance, less muscle power will be required to elevate lungs, and patients will not perceive a greater work of breathing. This could lead to greater ventilation in affected lungs. Lastly, with less stiff joints, it is hoped that patients will experience less thoracic pain.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
16/WS/0243
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2016
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion