The Effect of Exercise on Improving Respiratory Function and Physical Activity in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19

Maryam Sadat  Mirenayat; Mohsen  Abedi; Mohsen  Abedi; Atefeh  Fakharian

doi:10.18502/jimc.v8i1.17063

Maryam Sadat Mirenayat Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Center (PRRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases
Mohsen Abedi Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Center (PRRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases
Mohsen Abedi Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Center (PRRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases
Atefeh Fakharian Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research Center (PRRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v8i1.17063

Keywords: COVID-19, Physical activity, Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: The outbreak of COVID-19 has been associated with various physical and psychological effects. The role of exercise in strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation has already been proven. Moderate levels of exercise can enhance overall immunity. Exercise can improve intracellular metabolism and increase cell defense activity by improving inflammatory cytokines, immature B cells, and cytotoxic T cells. Therefore, exercise is known as a defense strategy against respiratory infections. Here the role of exercise in improving respiratory function and physical activity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was evaluated.

Methods: The present study was performed as a randomized clinical trial on 90 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Both groups received all routine treatments (medication, invasive or non-invasive ventilation, physiotherapy). Then, in the experimental group, standard exercises were provided to improve the patients’ physical condition and exercise capacity. After two weeks and one month later, all indices were measured again in two groups.

Results: The results of the present study showed that exercise causes significant changes in indicators such as 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (p=0.001), balance score (p=0.02), and Sf1 score (p=0.05) in two time periods before and after rehabilitation in two groups.

Conclusion: Performing standard and defined exercise exercises for patients with the new coronavirus improves the physical activity and respiratory function of patients.