Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises With KOTS Currents in Patients With Long COVID

Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Combined With Diaphragmatic Electrostimulation Using KOTS Currents in Patients With Long COVID: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

This study will evaluate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises combined with diaphragmatic electrostimulation using KOTS currents in patients with Long COVID. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises, while the intervention group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises combined with diaphragmatic electrostimulation using KOTS currents. The intervention will last three weeks, with two sessions per week. The study will assess respiratory function, quality of life, physical function, dyspnea, fatigue, and basal oxygen saturation.

Long COVID is a multifactorial condition that may be associated with persistent respiratory symptoms, reduced physical capacity, fatigue, dyspnea, and impaired quality of life. Respiratory rehabilitation strategies may contribute to improving breathing patterns and functional recovery in this population. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are commonly used to promote respiratory control and diaphragmatic activation. In addition, KOTS currents, also known as Russian currents, are medium-frequency alternating currents used in physiotherapy to elicit muscle contraction and may be applied as a complementary strategy to stimulate the diaphragm.

This pilot randomized controlled trial will compare diaphragmatic breathing exercises alone with diaphragmatic breathing exercises combined with diaphragmatic electrostimulation using KOTS currents in patients diagnosed with Long COVID. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the control group or the intervention group. Both groups will receive a three-week intervention consisting of two sessions per week. The control group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises, whereas the intervention group will perform the same breathing exercises combined with diaphragmatic electrostimulation.

Assessments will be conducted before and after the intervention period. The study is intended to explore whether adding diaphragmatic electrostimulation to a respiratory exercise program may provide additional benefits compared with diaphragmatic breathing exercises alone in this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women aged 18 to 65 years.
• Medical diagnosis of Long COVID.
• At least 2 months since SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Ability and willingness to provide informed consent.
• Ability to participate in the assigned intervention and assessment procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of a pacemaker.
• History of epilepsy.
• Pregnancy.
• History of acute cardiac arrest.
• Severe respiratory distress.
• Use of a wheelchair.
• Blurred vision.
• Cyanosis.
• Refusal to perform part or all of the treatment.
• Incomplete or incorrectly completed questionnaires.