Effectiveness of comprehensive rehabilitation of patients with impaired respiratory muscle strength after coronavirus pneumonia

Aim . The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for patients experiencing reduced respiratory muscle strength following coronavirus pneumonia. Materials and methods . This prospective, ran-domized study enrolled 55 individuals (average age 66.1±6.4 years; 21.8% males and 78.2% females) who had recovered from COVID-19. The rehabilitation regimen included 10 sessions of respiratory exercises, 10 chest massage treatments, and 3 sessions of osteopathic adjustment. Assessments of respiratory function and respiratory muscle strength were conducted both before the initiation of rehabilitation and upon its completion. Results . Initial complaints included rapid fatigue, dyspnea under physical strain, vertigo, headaches, chest pain during respiration, and disrupted sleep patterns. Participants were categorized into two groups: males and females. Both groups demonstrated a decrease in expiratory muscle strength by a factor of 1.2 and inspiratory muscle strength by 1.6, compared to normative values. Spirometry indicated impaired lung function across all participants. Post-rehabilitation, a marked improvement in overall health and a reduction in complaint severity were observed. Rehabilitation routing scales showed a decrease in condition severity from 2-3 points to 1-2 points, alongside a statistically significant increase in respiratory muscle strength, enhanced oxygen saturation, and restored lung function. Conclusion . Our proposed comprehensive rehabilitation program, incorporating osteopathic manipulation, respiratory exercises, and massage, successfully shifts the pathological breathing pattern to a physiological one, strengthens respiratory muscles, and reinstates lung function. This leads to improved exercise, reduced anxiety and depression levels, and enhanced quality of life for post-COVID-19 pneumonia patients.