Effectiveness of Functional Respiratory Muscle Training in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Core Stabilization: 12-week supervised core stabilization training, 3 sessions per week, 45 minutes per session.

Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT): IMT using a portable inspiratory muscle training device at 60% MIP, progressively increased over 12 weeks.

Study summary

This study aims to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises and functional inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on various physiological and psychological parameters in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Participants diagnosed with post-COVID-19 syndrome will be randomly assigned to two groups using stratified computer-assisted randomization. One group will undergo an 8-week core stabilization training, while the other will receive combined core stabilization and IMT training. Exercise training will be conducted three times a week, with each session lasting 50 minutes.

Comprehensive pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted, including exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, trunk endurance, balance, anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels. The primary outcome measures are respiratory muscle strength and trunk endurance.

Participants must be aged 18-65 years, have at least a primary education level, speak Turkish, and be classified as level 2-3 on the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS). Eligible participants will be referred by the Internal Medicine Department at Hacettepe University.

The study will utilize various assessment tools, including maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure (MIP/MEP) tests, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), plank and Sorenson endurance tests, the Timed Up and Go Test for balance, handgrip and knee extension strength tests, body composition analysis, and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Respiratory muscle strength — Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.
  Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) with mouth-pressure device
• Plank Endurance Test — Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.
  Plank Test: Plank time is a common test to evaluate core stability. The patient is given a plank position and the maximum endurance time they can hold this position is measured.
• Sorenson Endurance Test — Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.
  Sorenson Test (Extensor Endurance Test): In this test, the person lies horizontally on the end of a table and is asked to keep their body in a fixed position outside the table. The endurance time in this position is evaluated to measure core stability.
• Side Bridge Endurance Test — Baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention.
  Side Bridge Test: It is an endurance test based on time in the side plank position. The difference between the times on the right and left sides can provide information about core stabilization.

Trial sites (1)

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