Pietranis KA, Izdebska WM, Kuryliszyn-Moskal A, Dakowicz A, Ciołkiewicz M, Kaniewska K, Dzięcioł-Anikiej Z, Wojciuk M. Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Respiratory Function and Thickness of the Diaphragm in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
J Clin Med 2024;
13:425. [PMID:
38256559 PMCID:
PMC10815944 DOI:
10.3390/jcm13020425]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Rehabilitation is an effective method for improving the overall health of patients who have experienced the long-term effects of COVID-19.
METHODS
The double-blind, randomized prospective study assessed the effectiveness of a 6-week rehabilitation program among post-COVID-19 patients. A total of 59 patients under treatment following COVID-19 were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups completed the same six-week comprehensive exercise training program supported by a respiratory muscle trainer (Threshold IMT) during out-patient sessions. The control group performed placebo IMT. Respiratory muscle strength, chest wall expansion, spirometry, and diaphragm ultrasonography measurements were taken before and after the six weeks.
RESULTS
The applied rehabilitation program improved respiratory muscle strength in both the study and control groups (p < 0.001). There was a significant chest circumference increase in the study group (p < 0.001). Spirometric parameters improved in both groups, with the study group showing a greater improvement: 8.02% in FEV1 (p < 0.001), 13.24% in FVC EX (p < 0.001) and 9.67% in PEF (p < 0.001). Rehabilitation also increased diaphragm thickness during maximum inhalation in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the study findings, the specialized outpatient rehabilitation program developed for post-COVID-19 patients has proven to be effective and safe.
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