AsthmaNCT07289789
Comparative Effects of Buteyko Versus Pilates Breathing Combined With McKenzie Neck Exercises on Lung Function and Chest Expansion in Asthmatic Patients With Forward Head Posture
A study testing Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck Exercises and McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko Breathing in people with Asthma, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and hyperinflation that flattens the diaphragm and increases reliance on accessory neck muscles. Chronic overuse shortens these muscles and promotes forward head posture (FHP), which in turn compromises rib-cage motion and respiratory mechanics. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Asthma
- What is being tested?
- Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck Exercises and McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko Breathing
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 22 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 20 Aug 2025to 1 Feb 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age group 18-40years
- Both males and females
- Individuals clinically diagnosed with asthma that is well controlled (Level 1 and Level 2) with FHP
- Not participated in any structured exercise regime for improving lung function during the past 6 months.
- Individuals well tolerated with a current exercise plan of combination exercises. (Buteyko breathing/Pilate breathing and McKenzie neck exercises
Who cannot join
- -Level 3 and 4 asthma or status asthmatics.
- Any congenital deformity of the chest wall
- Any active infections like fever, TB
- Those with any contraindication to exercise testing or training.
- Recent history of any chest wall trauma
- Any abdominal or cardio thoracic surgery
Show all 11Show fewer
- Any psychiatric illness
- Unstable Cardiopulmonary disease i.e. unstable angina, heart failure, recent MI.
- Unstable hemodynamic parameters (arterial pressure >140mmhg systolic and >90mmhg for diastolic
- Pregnancy
- Previous or parallel participation in interventional programs.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy, Islamabad, 44000
Islamabad, 44000
FURQAN Ahmed Siddiqi, PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences, 923004414981, principal.fucp@fui.edu.pk
About this study
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and hyperinflation that flattens the diaphragm and increases reliance on accessory neck muscles. Chronic overuse shortens these muscles and promotes forward head posture (FHP), which in turn compromises rib-cage motion and respiratory mechanics. Correcting FHP alongside breathing retraining may therefore improve lung function and symptoms in asthma. This interventional, parallel-group study investigates the combined effects of McKenzie neck exercises with two different breathing approaches on lung function, chest expansion, posture, and quality of life in adults with asthma. Participants are allocated to two groups for a 4-week program: Group A performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Pilates-based breathing; Group B performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Buteyko breathing.
Read the detailed description
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by airway narrowing, hyperinflation, and increased airway resistance. Over time, these changes flatten the diaphragm, leading to reduced efficiency of the primary respiratory muscle. As a compensatory mechanism, asthmatic patients rely heavily on accessory muscles, particularly the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. Prolonged overuse of these muscles contributes to shortening, tightness, and altered biomechanics of the cervical region, resulting in forward head posture (FHP). FHP negatively influences respiratory mechanics by reducing rib cage mobility, altering muscle recruitment patterns, and impairing effective exhalation. It is also associated with musculoskeletal discomfort and cervical spine stress, which further compound the challenges faced by asthmatic individuals.
Correcting FHP is therefore an important therapeutic target. Evidence suggests that restoring cervical alignment improves lung function parameters and breathing mechanics in patients with asthma. McKenzie neck exercises are a widely recognized approach for postural correction. These exercises aim to normalize cervical spine position, reduce stress on accessory muscles, and promote improved head and neck alignment. By addressing postural deviations, McKenzie exercises may indirectly enhance diaphragmatic function and overall ventilatory efficiency.
Breathing retraining techniques such as Pilates breathing and Buteyko breathing have also been shown to provide benefits for patients with asthma. Pilates-based breathing emphasizes controlled inhalation and exhalation with engagement of the diaphragm and rib cage expansion, promoting better respiratory coordination and relaxation. Buteyko breathing, in contrast, focuses on reducing hyperventilation and breath-holding techniques to optimize carbon dioxide levels and minimize airway irritation. Both methods target abnormal breathing patterns commonly found in asthma but through different mechanisms. This study is designed to examine the combined effect of postural correction and breathing retraining. Participants are randomly allocated into two groups, both receiving McKenzie neck exercises but paired with different breathing methods. Group A performs McKenzie exercises alongside Pilates-based breathing, while Group B combines McKenzie exercises with Buteyko breathing.
- Conditions
- Asthma
- Being tested
- Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck Exercises, McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko Breathing
- Keywords
- Breathing exercises, Respiratory Function Test, Chest Expansion, Mckenzie Neck Exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Asthma
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck ExercisesProcedure or surgery
Participants in this group will undergo a four-week intervention program combining McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing techniques. The McKenzie exercises will be performed at an intensity of five repetitions per exercise during the first two weeks, progressing to ten repetitions per exercise in the third and fourth weeks. Pilates breathing will begin with two sets of ten repetitions in the first and second weeks, progress to three sets of ten repetitions in the third week, and further increase to four sets of ten repetitions in the fourth week. The intervention will be carried out three days per week on alternate days.
McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko BreathingProcedure or surgery
Participants in this group will undergo a four-week intervention program combining McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing techniques. The McKenzie exercises will be performed at an intensity of five repetitions per exercise during the first two weeks, progressing to ten repetitions per exercise in the third and fourth weeks. Pilates breathing will begin with two sets of ten repetitions in the first and second weeks, progress to three sets of ten repetitions in the third week, and further increase to four sets of ten repetitions in the fourth week. The intervention will be carried out three days per week on alternate days
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform McKenzie neck exercises in combination with Pilates-based breathing techniques, along with their usual pharmacological management for asthma. The program will run for 4 weeks with progressive intensity. McKenzie exercises will start with 5 repetitions per exercise in Weeks 1-2 and progress to 10 repetitions in Weeks 3-4. Pilates breathing will begin with 2 sets of 10 repetitions in Weeks 1-2, progress to 3 sets in Week 3, and 4 sets in Week 4. Receives: Procedure: Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck Exercises |
| McKenzie neck exercises with Buteyko breathing technique | Experimental | Participants in this group will perform McKenzie neck exercises in combination with Buteyko breathing techniques, along with their usual pharmacological management for asthma. The program will run for 4 weeks with progressive intensity. McKenzie exercises will start with 5 repetitions per exercise in Weeks 1-2 and progress to 10 repetitions in Weeks 3-4. Buteyko breathing will begin with 2 sets of 10 repetitions in Weeks 1-2, progress to 3 sets in Week 3, and 4 sets in Week 4. Receives: Procedure: McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko Breathing |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Chest Expansion
Description: Chest expansion will be measured in centimeters using a standard measuring tape at the level of the 4th intercostal space.
Measured: 4 weeks
Lung Functions
Lung function will be assessed using a spirometer. The parameters recorded will be FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second), FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1/FVC ratio.
Measured: 04 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Dec 2025
- Study start20 Aug 2025
- Primary completion1 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AsthmaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07289789
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/94
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 12 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 17 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Buteyko Versus Pilates Breathing Combined With McKenzie Neck Exercises on Lung Function and Chest Expansion in Asthmatic Patients With Forward Head Posture
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07289789
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/94
- Conditions
- Asthma
- Keywords
- Breathing exercises, Respiratory Function Test, Chest Expansion, Mckenzie Neck Exercises
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 20 Aug 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Feb 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and hyperinflation that flattens the diaphragm and increases reliance on accessory neck muscles. Chronic overuse shortens these muscles and promotes forward head posture (FHP), which in turn compromises rib-cage motion and respiratory mechanics. Correcting FHP alongside breathing retraining may therefore improve lung function and symptoms in asthma. This interventional, parallel-group study investigates the combined effects of McKenzie neck exercises with two different breathing approaches on lung function, chest expansion, posture, and quality of life in adults with asthma. Participants are allocated to two groups for a 4-week program: Group A performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Pilates-based breathing; Group B performs McKenzie neck exercises plus Buteyko breathing.
Detailed description
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by airway narrowing, hyperinflation, and increased airway resistance. Over time, these changes flatten the diaphragm, leading to reduced efficiency of the primary respiratory muscle. As a compensatory mechanism, asthmatic patients rely heavily on accessory muscles, particularly the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. Prolonged overuse of these muscles contributes to shortening, tightness, and altered biomechanics of the cervical region, resulting in forward head posture (FHP). FHP negatively influences respiratory mechanics by reducing rib cage mobility, altering muscle recruitment patterns, and impairing effective exhalation. It is also associated with musculoskeletal discomfort and cervical spine stress, which further compound the challenges faced by asthmatic individuals.
Correcting FHP is therefore an important therapeutic target. Evidence suggests that restoring cervical alignment improves lung function parameters and breathing mechanics in patients with asthma. McKenzie neck exercises are a widely recognized approach for postural correction. These exercises aim to normalize cervical spine position, reduce stress on accessory muscles, and promote improved head and neck alignment. By addressing postural deviations, McKenzie exercises may indirectly enhance diaphragmatic function and overall ventilatory efficiency.
Breathing retraining techniques such as Pilates breathing and Buteyko breathing have also been shown to provide benefits for patients with asthma. Pilates-based breathing emphasizes controlled inhalation and exhalation with engagement of the diaphragm and rib cage expansion, promoting better respiratory coordination and relaxation. Buteyko breathing, in contrast, focuses on reducing hyperventilation and breath-holding techniques to optimize carbon dioxide levels and minimize airway irritation. Both methods target abnormal breathing patterns commonly found in asthma but through different mechanisms. This study is designed to examine the combined effect of postural correction and breathing retraining. Participants are randomly allocated into two groups, both receiving McKenzie neck exercises but paired with different breathing methods. Group A performs McKenzie exercises alongside Pilates-based breathing, while Group B combines McKenzie exercises with Buteyko breathing.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing | Experimental | Procedure: Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck ExercisesParticipants in this group will perform McKenzie neck exercises in combination with Pilates-based breathing techniques, along with their usual pharmacological management for asthma. The program will run for 4 weeks with progressive intensity. McKenzie exercises will start with 5 repetitions per exercise in Weeks 1-2 and progress to 10 repetitions in Weeks 3-4. Pilates breathing will begin with 2 sets of 10 repetitions in Weeks 1-2, progress to 3 sets in Week 3, and 4 sets in Week 4. |
| McKenzie neck exercises with Buteyko breathing technique | Experimental | Procedure: McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko BreathingParticipants in this group will perform McKenzie neck exercises in combination with Buteyko breathing techniques, along with their usual pharmacological management for asthma. The program will run for 4 weeks with progressive intensity. McKenzie exercises will start with 5 repetitions per exercise in Weeks 1-2 and progress to 10 repetitions in Weeks 3-4. Buteyko breathing will begin with 2 sets of 10 repetitions in Weeks 1-2, progress to 3 sets in Week 3, and 4 sets in Week 4. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age group 18-40years
- Both males and females
- Individuals clinically diagnosed with asthma that is well controlled (Level 1 and Level 2) with FHP
- Not participated in any structured exercise regime for improving lung function during the past 6 months.
- Individuals well tolerated with a current exercise plan of combination exercises. (Buteyko breathing/Pilate breathing and McKenzie neck exercises
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- -Level 3 and 4 asthma or status asthmatics.
- Any congenital deformity of the chest wall
- Any active infections like fever, TB
- Those with any contraindication to exercise testing or training.
- Recent history of any chest wall trauma
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck ExercisesParticipants in this group will undergo a four-week intervention program combining McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing techniques. The McKenzie exercises will be performed at an intensity of five repetitions per exercise during the first two weeks, progressing to ten repetitions per exercise in the third and fourth weeks. Pilates breathing will begin with two sets of ten repetitions in the first and second weeks, progress to three sets of ten repetitions in the third week, and further increase to four sets of ten repetitions in the fourth week. The intervention will be carried out three days per week on alternate days. | Procedure or surgery | McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing |
| McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko BreathingParticipants in this group will undergo a four-week intervention program combining McKenzie neck exercises with Pilates-based breathing techniques. The McKenzie exercises will be performed at an intensity of five repetitions per exercise during the first two weeks, progressing to ten repetitions per exercise in the third and fourth weeks. Pilates breathing will begin with two sets of ten repetitions in the first and second weeks, progress to three sets of ten repetitions in the third week, and further increase to four sets of ten repetitions in the fourth week. The intervention will be carried out three days per week on alternate days | Procedure or surgery | McKenzie neck exercises with Buteyko breathing technique |
Primary outcome
Chest Expansion
Time frame: 4 weeks
Description: Chest expansion will be measured in centimeters using a standard measuring tape at the level of the 4th intercostal space.
Lung Functions
Time frame: 04 weeks
Lung function will be assessed using a spirometer. The parameters recorded will be FEV1 (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second), FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and FEV1/FVC ratio.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Dec 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Pilates Breathing Combined with McKenzie Neck Exercises and McKenzie Neck Exercises with Buteyko Breathing in people with Asthma, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Arzoo Bashir Awan, DPT (03215770272, arzoobashir66@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Chest Expansion (time frame: 4 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Dec 2025.