Effects of Chest PNF Techniques and Mobility Exercises on Lung Function and Chest Expansion in University Students Who Smoke

What this Trial Is About

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart, lung, and respiratory diseases, especially common among young people and university students in Turkey. Smoking reduces lung function and exercise performance by causing fatigue, breathlessness, and pain. This study aims to compare the effects of two chest-focused exercise techniques, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation PNF and chest mobility exercises, on lung function, chest expansion, and functional capacity in university students who are smokers. Participants are divided into three groups one receiving chest PNF exercises, another performing chest mobility exercises combined with diaphragmatic breathing, and a control group with no intervention. The exercise programs last 6 weeks with three 30-minute sessions each week. Chest PNF exercises involve specific hand placements and resistance movements in supine, side-lying, and prone positions, while chest mobility exercises include rotations, stretches, and mobilizations performed in various positions. Throughout the study, participants undergo multiple assessments at the beginning and after about 6 weeks. These include lung function tests using a portable spirometer, breathlessness evaluation, exercise capacity tests, depression and fatigue scales, quality of life questionnaires, chest expansion measurements, physical activity assessments, and endurance testing. Data will be analyzed to see how each intervention affects respiratory health and functional ability in young smokers.

Comparison of the Effects of Different Chest Techniques on University Students With Smoking Addiction