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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07749248

Physiotherapy in Thoracic Discopathy

Background and Objective:

Information regarding the effects of physiotherapy on quality of life and alterations in pulmonary function tests among patients with thoracic discopathy is notably limited in the literature. This study aims to compare the effects of the classical physiotherapy approach and the addition of breathing exercises to classical physiotherapy on quality of life and respiratory function tests in patients with thoracic discopathy.

Study Design and Methods:

This controlled and randomized study includes 40 patients diagnosed with thoracic discopathy. Participants are divided into two groups. The first group undergoes 15 sessions of classical physiotherapy consisting of ultrasound, TENS, hot packs, and posture exercises. The second group receives the same classical physiotherapy program with the addition of respiratory exercises. The patients' disability, psychosocial well-being, and pulmonary function are assessed using standardized scales and questionnaires at baseline (pre-treatment) and after the 15-session intervention (post-treatment).

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Key information

Conditions

Thoracic Discopathy Back Pain Impaired Respiratory Function Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Insufficiency Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–68 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Medipol University Pendik Hospital

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Clinical diagnosis of thoracic discopathy
  • Planned to receive physiotherapy as part of their treatment

Exclusion criteria

  • Participants with pre-existing respiratory system abnormalities
  • Participants with a disease affecting the rib cage

Treatment and study plan

traditional physiotherapy

Other

Application of 15 sessions of ultrasound, TENS, hot packs, and posture exercises.

Breathing exercise

Other

Implementation of a respiratory exercise program.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)

    Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program.

    FEV1 measures the volume of air forcefully exhaled in the first second of a forced exhalation, assessed via spirometry. The unit of measure is Liters (L). A higher value indicates better pulmonary function.

  2. Change in 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) Physical Functioning Score

    Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program

    The SF-36 questionnaire assesses health-related quality of life. The physical functioning subscale evaluates limitations in performing physical activities. The score ranges from 0 to 100. Higher scores represent better physical functioning and a higher quality of life.

  3. Change in Resting Pain Intensity assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program.

    Pain intensity at rest is evaluated using a visual analog scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents the "worst imaginable pain". A lower score indicates a reduction in pain intensity and clinical improvement.

  4. Change in FEV1/FVC Ratio Percentage

    Time frame: Baseline (before treatment) and immediately after the completion of the 15-session physiotherapy program.

    The ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) to Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), expressed as a percentage (%). This is measured via spirometry to assess airflow limitation. A higher percentage generally indicates better respiratory capacity.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Medipol University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Impact of Physiotherapy on Pulmonary Function Tests and Psychosocial Well-Being in Patients With Thoracic Discopathy : A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2020
Primary completion
2021
Study completion
2021
First posted
Aug 6, 2026
Registry last updated
Aug 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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