Effectiveness of Breathing Exercises Along with Conventional Exercises on Rib Cage Mobility and Postural Alignment in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Sapna Kumari; Deepak Rajpurohit; Gajendra Suthar

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.90068

Effectiveness of Breathing Exercises Along with Conventional Exercises on Rib Cage Mobility and Postural Alignment in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author(s)	Dr. Sapna Kumari, Dr. Deepak Rajpurohit, Dr. Gajendra Suthar
Country	India
Abstract	Abstract Background: A chronic inflammatory disease that mostly affects the axial skeleton, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) causes gradual rigidity of the spine, postural abnormalities, and decreased mobility of the rib cage. Reduced quality of life and compromised respiratory function are frequent outcomes of these alterations. The extra advantages of breathing exercises on thoracic expansion and posture are still not well understood, despite the fact that traditional physiotherapy is crucial in treating mobility and discomfort. Objective: To assess the impact of breathing techniques in conjunction with traditional physical treatment on ankylosing spondylitis patients' postural alignment and rib cage mobility. Methodology: 60 people with AS diagnoses, ages 20 to 50, participated in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were split into two groups at random: a control group that received only conventional physiotherapy and an experimental group that received both conventional physiotherapy and breathing exercises. Over the course of three months, the intervention was implemented. The main results were postural alignment and rib cage mobility (chest expansion at the xiphoid level, second ICS, and fourth ICS). Respiratory function (FVC, FEV1), discomfort (VAS), functional disability (BASDAI), and quality of life (ASQoL) were secondary objectives. Result: Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in thoracic mobility and chest expansion (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, the experimental group outperformed the control group at every measured level of chest expansion. The greatest improvement was seen in the xiphoid level (5.11 ± 0.47 cm in experimental versus 4.01 ± 0.34 cm in control). Additionally, the experimental group demonstrated better functional results, reduced discomfort, enhanced thoracic mobility, and improved respiratory metrics. Conclusion: When breathing exercises are added to traditional physical treatment, patients with ankylosing spondylitis experience improved rib cage mobility, postural alignment, and overall functional outcomes. For improved long-term management of since, this combination approach should be taken into consideration in clinical practice since it provides a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy.
Keywords	Ankylosing Spondylitis, Breathing Exercises, Rib Cage Mobility, Postural Alignment, Physiotherapy, Respiratory Function.
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-10-18
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i05.90068

View / Download PDF File

About IJFMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@ijfmr.com

International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Effectiveness of Breathing Exercises Along with Conventional Exercises on Rib Cage Mobility and Postural Alignment in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Share this