Effect of Combined Exercise Training on Functional Capacity in Post Covid-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis

Background: Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis is considered as one of the most long-term pulmonary complication of Coronavirus Disease [COVID-19], being an infectious respiratory condition, which characterized by progressive exertional dyspnea, fatigue, reduced exercise capacity and health related quality of life.The Aim of the work: This study aimed to determine the effect of combined exercise training on functional capacity in post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Patients and Methods: Forty patients of both sexes with Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis with an age above 25 years old. They were recruited from the outpatient clinic at Al-Mamora chest hospital. Patients were assigned into two group; Group A [study group] which received 8 weeks [3 sessions per week] of combined exercise training [consisting of aerobic, resisted training] and breathing exercises along with the pharmacological treatment and Group B [control group] which received 8 weeks [3 sessions per week] of breathing exercise along with the pharmacological treatment. after thorough assessment of functional capacity through [6MWT], dyspnea during activity by mMRC, and measure Pulmonary function test [FVC].Results: There was statistically significant [P<0.001] decrease of the mean values of mMRC dyspnea scale, a statistically significant [P<0.05] increase of the mean value of 6MWT after management that were significantly higher in group A associated with a non-statistical change [p-value >0.05] in the mean value of FVC. There were significant improvements in all outcomes [P-value<0.05] after management that were significantly higher in group A except the pulmonary function test [FVC] was a non-significant improvement [p-value >0.05].Conclusion: Eight weeks of combined exercise training improves functional capacity decreasing patients’ physical and functional disabilities, promoting a much more independent and functional lifestyle.