The effects of breathing exercises and physical activity counseling applied for 4 weekson the number of daily steps, dyspnea, pain, fatigue, mood and quality of life inindividuals who have just had COVID-19 are not yet known. For this reason, it was aimedto investigate in this study.
In the COVID-19 pandemic, which deepened the physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle,
the severity and mortality effect of the virus on humans has decreased today. On the
other hand, some symptoms may continue to be seen after recovery in individuals who
survived COVID-19. It is known that regular physical activities increase immunity and
quality of life, reduce stress, anxiety and depression, and support the musculoskeletal
and cardiovascular systems. This study aimed to search effects of breathing exercises and
physical activity counseling on the step counts, dyspnea, pain, fatigue, mood and quality
of life in individuals with post-COVID-19.
Other: Thoracic expansion exercises
Individuals placed their hands on their lower ribs and then took 3 deep breaths under
their hands in a row. After this cycle, individuals rested by taking 3-4 calm breaths.
The cycle was repeated 10 times. The individual did this session 4 times a day.
Other: Physical activity counseling
Individuals were given weekly group phone calls and meetings. Individuals were gradually
accustomed to regular walking to increase their daily step count. In the first week,
individuals were asked to walk a total of 30-45 minutes per day, at least 4-5 days per
week, and to increase the number of steps measured at the beginning by approximately
1000-2000 steps per day to reach at least 6500 steps. In the second week, the expected
goal was at least 7500 steps. In the third and fourth weeks, they were asked to reach at
least 10000 steps.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult individuals aged 18 and over who volunteered to participate in the research
- Individuals who can understand and answer surveys
- Compatible individuals who can perform exercises and have good cooperation.
- Individuals who were diagnosed with COVID-19 (individuals with a positive Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR) test result, compatible with COVID-19 infection as a result of
lung X-ray or lung tomography despite negative PCR test results) and discharged
after recovery/home quarantine completed
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals newly diagnosed with COVID-19, therefore in quarantine at home or
receiving treatment in hospital
- Individuals with suspected COVID-19
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with serious psychiatric illness and therefore unable to adapt to
exercise sessions
- Individuals with severe cognitive impairment
- Individuals with ongoing orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular disorders and/or
problems which are independent of COVID-19
Izmir Democracy University
İzmir, Turkey