Effects of Therapeutic Back Massage on Pulmonary Functions, Frequency of Asthmatic Attacks and Anxiety in Asthmatic Patients

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess how therapeutic back massage affected asthmatic patients' anxiety levels, pulmonary functioning, and asthma attacks. 

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Lahore School of Nursing, The University of Lahore from August 2025 to November 2025. 

Methods: A quasi-experimental study design, involving asthma patients at a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi who were assigned to either an intervention or control group. A convenient sample of n=35 asthma patients was recruited in each group. The intervention group received structured back massage sessions in addition to routine medical care, while the control group continued to receive standard care alone. Pulmonary function parameters were assessed using a digital spirometer, anxiety levels were evaluated using the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the frequency of asthma attacks was recorded before and after the intervention. At the end of data collection, the data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 25, considering a P-value < 0.05 as significant. 

Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in pulmonary function, such as Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second and Peak Expiratory Flow, Anxiety level, and Asthma attack among patients who received therapeutic back massage compared to those in the control group p < 0.001), at the second and third follow up after 2 months from the start of the therapeutic back massage.  

Conclusion: The study concludes that back massage is an effective, safe, and cost-efficient complementary therapy that positively influences both physiological and psychological outcomes in asthma patients.