The effect of exercise training on respiratory functions, functional capacity, physical activity and quality of life in individuals with COVİD-19 infection

Şırayder, U. The effect of exercise training on respiratory function, functional capacity, physical activity and quality of life in individuals with COVID-19 infection. Graduate School of Health Sciences, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program, PhD Thesis, Ankara, 2022. Exercise training after COVID-19 infection may be effective in improving the functional loss that occur in the post-acute period. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate lung function, functional capacity, balance, physical activity and quality of life problems that may develop due to severe COVID-19 after discharge and to compare them with the characteristics of healthy controls, and the effectiveness of exercise training to be applied to patients with COVID-19 infection in a randomized controlled trial. This study consisted of two parts. In the first part, individuals with COVID-19 infection (n=26) and healthy individuals (n=26) were compared and in the second part, exercise (n=25) and control (n=25) COVID-19 groups were compared. Lung function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength were measured. Functional capacity was evaluated using the six-minute walk test. Nottingham Health Profile and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire for health-related quality of life, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for anxiety and depression, Fatigue Severity Scale for fatigue, Mini Mental State exmination for cognitive function, stabilometer and Timed Up Go for balance were used. In addition to their routine follow-up, the exercise group was given aerobic exercise and strength training for 12 weeks. In the control group, only routine follow-up continued. Lung function, peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, balance, fatigue, anxiety and depression levels of the COVID-19 group were significantly lower than those of the healthy group (p<0.05). Respiratory muscle strength and cognitive levels were similar (p>0.05). lung function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, balance, fatigue, anxiety and depression levels of the exercise group improved significantly after exercise training, (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in cognitive status (p>0.05). In conclusion, lung function losses and fatigue complaints and quality of life, muscle strength and functional capacity decrease continue in patients with severe COVID-19 even six months after discharge as compared to healthy individuals. A 12-week aerobic exercise and strength training is effective in improving lung function, functional capacity, quality of life, depression, anxiety and fatigue levels. Based on the findings of the study, aerobic exercise and strength training is a reliable, effective and clinically applicable method in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Keywords: Post-acute COVID-19, Aerobic exercise, Strength training, Lung function, Fatigue.