Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/ Respiratory Disorder, Al-Mamora Chest Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
2
Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/ Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
3
Department of Chest Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
4
Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/ Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Background: Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis is considered as one of the most long-term pulmonary complication of Coronavirus Disease [COVID-19], being an infectious respiratory condition, which characterized by progressive exertional dyspnea, fatigue, reduced exercise capacity and health related quality of life.
The Aim of the work: This study aimed to determine the effect of combined exercise training on functional capacity in post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.
Patients and Methods: Forty patients of both sexes with Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis with an age above 25 years old. They were recruited from the outpatient clinic at Al-Mamora chest hospital. Patients were assigned into two group; Group A [study group] which received 8 weeks [3 sessions per week] of combined exercise training [consisting of aerobic, resisted training] and breathing exercises along with the pharmacological treatment and Group B [control group] which received 8 weeks [3 sessions per week] of breathing exercise along with the pharmacological treatment. after thorough assessment of functional capacity through [6MWT], dyspnea during activity by mMRC, and measure Pulmonary function test [FVC].
Results: There was statistically significant [P<0.001] decrease of the mean values of mMRC dyspnea scale, a statistically significant [P<0.05] increase of the mean value of 6MWT after management that were significantly higher in group A associated with a non-statistical change [p-value >0.05] in the mean value of FVC. There were significant improvements in all outcomes [P-value<0.05] after management that were significantly higher in group A except the pulmonary function test [FVC] was a non-significant improvement [p-value >0.05].
Conclusion: Eight weeks of combined exercise training improves functional capacity decreasing patients’ physical and functional disabilities, promoting a much more independent and functional lifestyle.
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