Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Effectiveness of the manual diaphragmatic stretching technique on respiratory function in cerebral palsy: A
Surussawadi Bennett1, Wantana Siritaratiwat1, Nittaya Tanrangka1
1Research Centre in Back, Neck, Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand; Division of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand.
Insights
Manual diaphragmatic stretching technique (MDST) improved diaphragmatic mobility and chest wall expansion in children with cerebral palsy (CP). This technique can enhance physiotherapy for children with CP experiencing respiratory issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Respiratory Physiology
- Neuromuscular Disorders
Background:
- Diaphragmatic weakness causes respiratory failure and hospitalization in children with cerebral palsy (CP).
- Manual diaphragmatic stretching technique (MDST) shows promise for improving respiratory function in conditions like asthma and COPD.
- No prior studies have investigated MDST's effects on children with CP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a six-week MDST program on the respiratory function of children with CP.
- To assess changes in diaphragmatic mobility, pulmonary function, and chest wall expansion.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 53 children with spastic CP.
- The experimental group received MDST three times weekly for six weeks, combined with standard physical therapy (SDPT).
- The control group received only SDPT. Outcome measures included diaphragmatic mobility, pulmonary function, and chest wall expansion.
Main Results:
- MDST significantly enhanced diaphragmatic mobility on both sides (p < 0.001).
- Significant improvements were observed in chest wall expansion at the xiphoid and umbilical levels (p = 0.013 and p = 0.003, respectively).
- No significant differences in pulmonary function tests were found between the groups.
Conclusions:
- MDST effectively improves diaphragmatic mobility and chest wall expansion in children with CP.
- MDST can be a valuable addition to physiotherapy regimens for improving diaphragmatic function in spastic CP.
- Further research may explore long-term effects and integration into standard care.
Background:
Respiratory failure resulting from diaphragmatic muscle weakness is a major cause of long-term hospitalization in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Manual diaphragmatic stretching technique (MDST) can be directly applied to stretch diaphragmatic muscle and has been reported to improve respiratory function in patients with asthma and COPD. However, there have been no studies among CP. This study aimed to examine the effects of a six-week MDST course on respiratory function among CP.
Methods:
Fifty-three children with spastic CP were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 27) and control (n = 26) groups. The experimental group received MDST on non-consecutive days, three days per week for six weeks alongside standard physiotherapy (SDPT), while the control group received only SDPT. The outcome variables were diaphragmatic mobility, pulmonary function and chest wall expansion.
Results:
MDST significantly improved diaphragmatic mobility on both sides of the body, with a between-group difference of 0.97 cm (95% CI 0.55-1.39 cm, p < 0.001) for the right side and 0.82 cm (95% CI 0.35-1.29 cm, p = 0.001) for the left side. MDST significantly improved chest wall expansion at the xiphoid process and umbilical levels, with between-group differences of 0.57 cm (95% CI 0.12-1.20 cm, p = 0.013) and 0.87 cm (95% CI 0.31-1.43 cm, p = 0.003), respectively. There was no significant difference in pulmonary function testing between the groups.
Conclusion:
MDST could significantly improve diaphragmatic mobility, and lower and abdominal chest wall expansion, among children with CP. Therefore, MDST could be considered as an additional technique for physiotherapy programmes, to improve diaphragmatic function in spastic CP.
More Related Videos
08:40Isokinetic Robotic Device to Improve Test-Retest and Inter-Rater Reliability for Stretch Reflex Measurements in Stroke Patients with Spasticity
Published on: June 12, 2019
08:24Author Spotlight: Exploring the Potential of Massage Therapy in Cerebral Palsy Using Animal Models
Published on: August 11, 2023
