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Journal: Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research Date: 2026/05, 20(5):Pages: YC05–YC09. doi: Subito , type of study: scoping review

Free full text   (https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2026&month=May&volume=20&issue=5&page=YC05-YC09&id=23255)

Keywords:

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [32]
COPD [41]
lung function [18]
manual therapy [164]
massage [37]
MFR [10]
myofascial release [57]
OAD [19]
obstructive airway disease [1]
OMT [3810]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3831]
quality of life [112]
scoping review [55]

Abstract:

Introduction: Obstructive Airway Disorders (OAD) refer to a group of conditions that cause airflow limitation within the lungs, including chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and other related disorders. Manual Therapy (MT) has been suggested as a component of pulmonary rehabilitation programs for patients with OAD. MT may improve mobility in the thoracic region, thereby reducing the effort required for breathing by enhancing oxygen delivery and lymphatic circulation. Common MT techniques include massage, Myofascial Release (MFR), muscle energy techniques, ligament balancing, joint mobilisation, and manipulation. Aim: To review the effectiveness of MT interventions, either alone or in combination with exercise, on lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with OAD. Materials and Methods: In the present scoping review, in accordance with PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, a literature search was conducted across MEDLINE, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases using the terms OAD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), MT, joint mobilisation, and osteopathic manipulation. Searches included all relevant studies available from 2005 to May 2024. The primary outcomes were lung function and exercise capacity, while secondary outcomes included symptoms, Quality of Life (QoL), and adverse events. Results: Of the 1,400 articles screened, 10 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. A total of 441 participants were analysed, with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. Interventions included Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT), massage, manual soft-tissue release, diaphragmatic release, and MFR. The mean age of participants was 38 years. The duration of rehabilitation ranged from 2 to 10 weeks. Various MT interventions-including soft-tissue release, MFR, Chuna therapy, joint mobilisation, and manual diaphragm release-when combined with conventional physiotherapy, resulted in significant improvements in pulmonary function parameters (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) across different patient populations. Conclusion: MT techniques improve QoL, lung function, exercise capacity, and respiratory symptoms, and reduce adverse events. Therefore, MT can be used as an adjunctive treatment modality in patients with OAD.

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