Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients with post-COVID-19

Background: The aim of research is to investigate the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise capacity, lower muscle strength, dyspnea, anxiety-depression, quality of life, physical activity and fatigue in individuals with respiratory effects involvement who have had COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients were seperated to 2 groups as treatment group (TG) (breathing exercise, resistance training, IMT) and control group (CG) (breathing exercise, resistance training). All patients were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks later in terms of exercise capacity, lower muscle strength, dyspnea, quality of life, fatigue, physical activity and anxiety-depression. Results: Significant difference was found in all parameters within the group after treatment. (p<0.05). TG was found superior to CG for increasing exercise capacity (p<0.05), lower muscle strength (p=0.001), anxiety-depression (p<0.05). Conclusions: IMT improves exercise capacity and lower muscle strength and decreases anxiety-depression in the patients.