Assessing the Impact of Manual Therapy Techniques on the Diaphragm and Deep Trunk Muscle Exercises for Stabilisation and Level of Pain in the Lumbar Spine of COPD Patients

<ns3:p>Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of death worldwide. Its main symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, sputum retention and reduced exercise tolerance. Over 80% of patients also experience pain, most frequently reported in the chest, limbs and lower back. There is also a weakening of the respiratory muscles and dysfunction in the diaphragm, which is not only an inspiratory muscle but also a component of the muscles responsible for body stabilisation.</ns3:p>