EFFECT OF SCAR MOBILISATION TECHNIQUE ON CHEST EXPANSION AND BREATHING PATTERN IN CHILDREN FOLLOWING CHEST WALL SURGERY

Abstract

Background
Children undergoing chest wall surgery frequently develop postoperative scar adhesions that may restrict
thoracic mobility and alter normal breathing mechanics. Reduced chest expansion and dysfunctional
breathing patterns can negatively affect respiratory efficiency, physical activity, and overall recovery.
Aim
To evaluate the effectiveness of scar mobilisation techniques in improving chest expansion and restoring
normal breathing patterns in children following chest wall surgery.
Methodology
A randomized experimental pretest–posttest study was conducted on 60 children aged 5–15 years who had
undergone chest wall surgery. Participants were randomly allocated into a control group and a scar
mobilisation group. Both groups received conventional postoperative physiotherapy, while the experimental
group additionally received scar mobilisation techniques along with breathing retraining exercises for six
weeks.
Results
Axillary chest expansion improved from 5.4 ± 1.3 cm to 6.8 ± 1.4 cm, nipple line expansion improved from
5.8 ± 1.4 cm to 7.2 ± 1.5 cm, and xiphisternal expansion improved from 6.3 ± 1.4 cm to 7.7 ± 1.5 cm. MARM
scores improved from 4.1 ± 0.7 to 7.1 ± 0.7. All results were statistically significant (p < 0.01).
Conclusion
Scar mobilisation techniques combined with breathing retraining exercises were effective in improving chest
expansion and restoring normal breathing patterns in children following chest wall surgery.