Effects of Subtle Touch Technique and Active Cycle of Breathing Technique

COPD is a disease state characterized by the presence of airflow obstruction due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema. In 2018, approximately 5.1% of adults (equivalent to around 12.8 million individuals) received a COPD diagnosis. Subtle Touch, also known as Calatonia, involves a profound relaxation approach that regulates muscle tension and fosters physical and psychological equilibrium in patients. It entails gentle stimulation of nerve receptor-rich areas of the body, promoting muscle relaxation and potentially improving respiratory muscle function. The study will employ a randomized controlled trial, with total 40 participants divided into two groups. Group A will receive ACBTs three times daily for fifteen minutes for eight weeks. Group B will receive ACBT along with subtle touch technique for three times daily for fifteen minutes for eight weeks. The nonprobability convenient sampling technique, followed by random allocation using sealed opaque enveloped method, ensures a diverse yet unbiased sample. The inclusion criteria will be focusing on patients of 45 to 60 years of age, patients with mild to moderate COPD (according to Gold Criteria) and both male and female. While exclusion criterion includes musculoskeletal disorders, any recent chest injuries, lung infections and pulmonary hypertension. The methodology will involve 8-week intervention period, conducted at pulmonology department of Jinnah hospital, with participants in each group receiving instruction and support in their respective breathing techniques. All patients will be assessed using Digital Spirometer (to evaluate pulmonary functions), Breathlessness Cough and Sputum Scale BCSS (to evaluate sputum diary of patients), Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The data analysis will be done by using SPSS version 25. After assessing 1 Combined Effects of ACBT and Subtle Touch Technique in COPD normality of data by Shapiro-Wilk test, it will be decided either parametric or non-parametric test will be used within a group or between two groups.