Comparison of the Immediate Effects of Different Mobilization Techniques for Thoracic Extension and Chest Expansion: A Pilot Trial

Abstract

Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the immediate effects of two different mobilization techniques on thoracic kyphosis, thoracic range of motion, and chest expansion.

Materials and Methods: Twenty asymptomatic volunteers participated in the study, with nine participants randomized to the experimental group and eleven to the control group. The experimental group received thoracic accessory and physiological mobilization techniques, while the control group received self-thoracic mobilization technique. Thoracic kyphosis and thoracic range of motion of the participants were determined using the photogrammetry method. Their chest expansions were measured using chest wall circumference at the levels of the 5th and 10th thoracic vertebrae. Measurements were taken before the application, immediately after the application, and again one hour after the application.

Results: There were no significant differences found between the measurements taken before the application, immediately after the application, and one hour after the application for thoracic kyphosis (F (2, 0.43) =10.40, p > 0.05), thoracic range of motion (F (2, 8.74) =1.06, p > 0.05), and chest expansion (F (2, 10.33) =0.59, p > 0.05).

Conclusion: A single session of thoracic accessory and physiological mobilization techniques, or self-thoracic mobilization technique, does not have a significant effect on thoracic kyphosis angle, thoracic flexion-extension range of motion, and chest expansion.