Immediate Effects of Intercostal Muscle Massage on Respiratory Function in Healthy Adults

Key Points

• The study aims to evaluate the immediate effects of intercostal muscle massage on respiratory function and thoracic expansion in healthy adults.
• Conducted on 50 healthy adults in their 20s
• Used deep transverse friction massage on intercostal muscles
• Measured respiratory parameters before and after intervention
• Analyzed data using paired t-tests for statistical significance
• Forced vital capacity significantly increased after massage (p<.05)
• 1-second forced expiratory volume also showed significant improvement (p<.05)
• Significant increase in the ratio of forced expiratory volume to vital capacity (p<.05)
• No significant change in maximum expiratory flow (p>.05)
• Thoracic expansion showed improvement but not statistically significant (p>.05)

Abstract