Influence of Manual Diaphragm Release on Pulmonary Functions in Women With COVID-19

Influence of Manual Diaphragm Release Combined With Conventional Breathing Exercises and Prone Positioning on Pulmonary Functions in Women With COVID-19

Manual noninvasive respiratory techniques gained interest to treat respiratory pathologies related to COVID 19. This study designed to determine the combined effect of manual diaphragmatic release technique with the effect of conventional breathing exercises and prone positioning on pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75, FEF25/75).

Forty females were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received manual diaphragm release with conventional breathing exercises and prone positioning. Group B received conventional breathing exercises and prone positioning. Both groups took their prescribed medications. Their ages ranged from 35 to 45 years and with moderate COVID-19 illness. Any cases with mild and severe COVID-19 illness, ICU admission, and chest diseases were excluded.

Main measures: pulmonary function parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75, FEF25/75).

Inclusion Criteria:

• women with moderate COVID-19 illness diagnosed by a physician.
• Patients with o2 saturation >94%Nonsmoker subjects.
• age ranging from 35-45 years.
• body mass index from 25 to 34 kg/m2.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable hemodynamic status.
• Acute respiratory failure requiring intubation and impaired consciousness.
• Inability to collaborate with prone positioning with refusal.
• Change of mental status hindering response to instructions.
• Poorly controlled hypertension (Mean systolic BP > 140 mmhg and \or diastolic BP > 40 mmhg).
• Patients who take continuous o2 supplementation.
• Smoking.
• Other chest diseases as (COPD-asthma-tuberculosis-cancer).
• Male patients.