Exercise Training Six-Months After Discharge in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Exercise Training Six-Months After Discharge in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this study investigate the effects of 12-week exercise training on pulmonary function, symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with severe COVID 6 months after intensive care discharge. The main question it aims to answer are:

1-Does exercise training given in post-COVID-19 syndrome have an effect on pulmonary function, symptoms, functional capacity, muscle strength and quality of life?

25 severe post-COVID patients (35 M) were in exercise group (EG) (age=52.9±11 years, 18M), and 25 (age=53.6±11.9 years, 17M) were in the control group (CG). EG received aerobic exercise (30-min walking) and upper and lower extremity strength training for 12 weeks for 3 days/week. CG continued only routine follow-up.

Inclusion Criteria:

• COVID-19 pneumonia patients were followed up for at least 24 h in the ICU. Those post-COVID six months who could cooperate with the tests and volunteered to participate were included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with pulmonary, orthopedic, neurological, vestibular, and psychological problems diagnosed before COVID-19 infection; myocarditis developed after COVID-19 infection; and those pregnant and those having any other acute diseases (such as infection and trauma) that would prevent performing the tests and/or interfering with the test results were excluded.