2.2. Procedure
CMEBE
The participants of this study were randomly assigned to a chest mobilization exercise with breathing exercise (CMEBE) group and conservative physical therapy with breathing exercise (CPTBE) group using an open-source randomizer available at: In this study, a single-blind method was applied, and a total of five assistant researchers were selected based on the following criteria: (1) licensed physiotherapist; (2) clinical experience of at least 3 years; and (3) completion of training on chest mobilization exercise, conservative physical therapy, and breathing exercise programs. To ensure inter-rater consistency and measurement accuracy, the five therapists measured the same patients in groups of three during the study period. The respiratory function, trunk stability, and endurance were measured at baseline (pre-test) and 6 weeks after the intervention (post-test).