Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by acute Exacerbation causing breathless, cough, and respiratory distress. Review of various studies indicated that diaphragmatic stretching and rib stretching improves pulmonary function. Aim of the study: The Aim of the study to compare the effectiveness of diaphragmatic stretch and rib stretch on improving pulmonary function and thoracic excursion in subjects with COPD along with conventional physiotherapy. Methods: Total of 72 subjects were selected, out of those 66 subjects were included who met the inclusion criteria and willing to participate in the study after obtaining the consent form were included. These 66 subjects are divided into two groups by sample of convince. In which 6 subjects dropped from the study due to change in the medication. The study was completed with the sample of 60 subjects, Group A (N=30) Diaphragmatic Stretching and Group B (N=30) Rib Stretching exercises. Both groups performed intervention for 1 hour a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The outcomes of the study were FEV1/FVC ratio and thoracic excursion. Results: Paired T test was used to access the statistical significance within the group, Independent T test was used to access the statistical significance between the groups, Statistical analysis of the data revealed that diaphragmatic stretching group has more difference when compared to rib stretching group.

Keywords : Diaphragmatic Stretching, Rib Stretching, Pulmonary Function, Thoracic Excursion, FEV1/FVC Ratio, Chest Expansion.