Background: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressive lung disease marked by excessive fibrosis and declining respiratory function. While pharmacological treatments help manage symptoms, they offer limited reversal of fibrosis and often have side effects. As a result, interest in rehabilitation approaches such as breathing exercises combined with self-myofascial release (SMR) has increased. These techniques may enhance trunk stability and thoracic flexibility, contributing to improved respiratory function. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of thoracic expansion exercises using SMR techniques on pulmonary function and chest mobility in a patient with PF, and assessed their clinical applicability. Design: Single-subject A-B-A′ design. Methods: A 60s male with idiopathic PF underwent 20 days of intervention. Standard rehabilitation was applied during baseline (A) and follow-up (A′) phases. During the intervention (B), SMR-based breathing exercises were added. Outcomes included Functional Reach Test (FRT), chest expansion, and pulmonary function tests (FVC, FEV₁, PEF, FEV₁/FVC). Data were analyzed using the 2SD band method. Results: FRT improved from 23.4 cm (A) to 31.3 cm (B) and 34.2 cm (A′). Chest expansion increased from 1.7 cm to 2.8 cm, and FVC rose from 1.70 L to 2.08 L before dropping to 0.94 L. FEV₁/FVC improved from 80.8% to 86.7% during intervention but decreased at follow-up. Conclusion: SMR-based thoracic expansion exercises may enhance trunk stability, thoracic mobility, and certain pulmonary function indicators in PF patients. These findings suggest potential clinical benefits, warranting further studies to confirm long-term effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
    Study Procedure
    Subject
    Outcome Measures
    Interventions
    Data and Statistical Analysis
RESULTS
    FRT
    Chest Expansion
    FVC
    FEV₁
    PEF
    FEV₁/FVC Ratio
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• Daeun Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea, Gwangju 365 Rehabilitation Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea)
• Soyeong Kim(Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea, Gwangju 365 Rehabilitation Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea)
• Woonsu Cho(Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea)
• Chibok Park(Department of Physical Therapy, Nambu University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea) Corresponding author