The primary aim of this study is to investigate the effects of manual therapy on spatiotemporal characteristics of gait and gait variability, functional exercise capacity, and pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The secondary aims of the study are to determine the effects of manual therapy on balance, respiratory muscle strength, quality of life, physical activity, symptom severity, accessory respiratory muscle activation, peripheral muscle strength, chest wall mobility, dysfunctional breathing, pain, and posture.
Age 40 years or older
Clinically stable for at least the past 4 weeks
Classified as GOLD stage 1, 2, or 3 according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD) airflow limitation classification
Classified as group A, B, or E according to the GOLD ABE assessment tool
Use of walking assistive devices
Receiving long-term oxygen therapy
Presence of additional orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological, or cardiac conditions that may affect gait and balance
History of lung cancer, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and/or lung surgery