Effect of Thoracic Lymphatic Pump Technique on Pulmonary Function in COPD Patients

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic airflow limitation, range of pathological changes in the lung, some significant extra-pulmonary effects, and important co-morbidities and risk factors which may contribute to the severity of the disease in individual patients. Once developed, COPD and its co-morbidities cannot be cured, so must be treated continuously. Treatment options include not only pharmacological & surgical therapies but also use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). If OMT can reduce pain & immobility associated with pulmonary disease, then it should increase thoracic excursion.

Aim: To analyze whether the application of the Thoracic Lymphatic Pump without activation on COPD patients influences their lung function parameters.

Methodology: An Experimental Cross Sectional Study with 50 COPD diagnosed patients with COPD grade I - III according to GOLD guidelines were divided in two groups, 25 in Experimental Group(A) & 25 in Control Group(B). Pulmonary function test(Measuring VC, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC RATIO, PEF and FEF) was the outcome measure. Group A was given the TLP manipulation and 10 mins nebulization. Group B was given only nebulization.

Results: There were significant improvements in the VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC values of both the groups. The FEF values showed significant improvements in experimental group as compared to control group. The means of the difference between the pre and post values of both the groups showed no statistical significance.