Background: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of manual diaphragmatic release technique versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for diaphragm to improve functional capacity for COPD patients.

Method: In this experimental study, 30 patients were selected using convenient sampling method and randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n=15) received manual diaphragmatic release technique and Group B received PNF for diaphragm for 6 days in a week of 3 consecutive weeks. The pre and post-test values were measured using six- minutes walk distance test (6MWDT) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR).

Result: Intergroup analysis was done using unpaired t test which showed significant improvement in Group B treated with PNF for diaphragm along with conventional therapy, when evaluated the mean values of six-minute walk distance test (6MWDT) (mean=309.7) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) (mean=394).