Efficacy of Myofascial Release Therapy on the Cardiorespiratory Functions in Patients With COVID-19

Sara Fereydounnia; Azadeh Shadmehr; Alireza Tahmasbi

doi:10.18502/jmr.v16i1.8569

Sara Fereydounnia Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Azadeh Shadmehr Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Alireza Tahmasbi Department of Physical Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v16i1.8569

Keywords: Myofascial release, Cardiorespiratory function, COVID-19, Respiratory physiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Myofascial Release Therapy (MRT) on cardiorespiratory functions in patients with COVID-19.

Materials and Methods: A total of 36 patients with COVID-19 (intervention group=20, controls=16) were included in the present study. The patients in the intervention group participated in a single session of suboccipital, anterior thoracic and sternal, anterior cervical, and diaphragm myofascial release techniques, plus respiratory physiotherapy. The controls just received respiratory physiotherapy. Before-after assessments included recording heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood oxygen saturation, chest expansion, and breathing comfort.

Results: There was a significant reduction in the heart rate and ease of breathing in the intervention group (P=0.04, P=0.02; respectively); also, the diastolic blood pressure increased significantly in the control group (P=0.02). Compared to the controls, the ease of breathing decreased significantly in the intervention group (P=0.03).

Conclusion: Myofascial release techniques of the neck, thoracic, and diaphragm, along with respiratory physiotherapy, could immediately affect heart rate and ease of breathing and prevent increasing diastolic blood pressure. If a patient with COVID-19 is stable, pulmonary physiotherapists may consider using these techniques while monitoring cardiopulmonary function.