Acute and Long-Term Effects of Integrated Myofascial Release Therapy on Respiratory Function in Healthy Adults

This study will investigate the immediate and longer-term effects of integrated myofascial release therapy on breathing-related outcomes in healthy adults. Participants will receive integrated myofascial release therapy twice a week for 6 weeks, for a total of 12 treatment sessions. Assessments will be performed before treatment, immediately after the first treatment session, at the end of the 6-week treatment period, and 1 month and 3 months after treatment. The study will evaluate pulmonary function, cough strength, and chest mobility. The aim is to determine both the immediate response to a single treatment session and whether repeated treatment produces effects that are maintained during follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older. * Ability to communicate in Turkish. * Voluntary agreement to participate in the study. * Ability to attend the scheduled assessment and treatment sessions regularly. Exclusion Criteria: * Asthma, clinically significant dyspnea, or chronic pulmonary disease. * Influenza, COVID-19, or another acute respiratory tract infection within the previous 6 weeks that may affect respiratory function. * Recent surgery involving the neck, shoulder, or thoracic region. * History of rib fracture or an acute musculoskeletal condition that would make manual therapy inappropriate. * Serious cardiovascular, neurological, or systemic disease that could prevent safe participation in the assessments.