Medicina Fluminensis, Vol. 62 No. 2, 2026.
Stručni rad
https://doi.org/10.21860/medflum2026_346500
The Effectiveness of Respiratory Physiotherapy in Reducing Post-COVID-19 Respiratory Symptoms
Daniela Butorac
; Thalassotherapia Crikvenica – Specijalna bolnica za medicinsku rehabilitaciju Primorsko-goranske županije, Odjel specijalističko-konzilijarne zdravstvene zaštite, Crikvenica, Hrvatska
Marina Bubonja Šonje
orcid.org/0000-0001-6565-3377
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinički zavod za kliničku mikrobiologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Katedra za mikrobiologiju i parazitologiju Rijeka, Hrvatska
Tanja Grubić Kezele
orcid.org/0000-0001-6769-5263
; Klinički bolnički centar Rijeka, Klinički zavod za kliničku mikrobiologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska; Sveučilište u Rijeci, Medicinski fakultet, Katedra za fiziologiju, imunologiju i patofiziologiju, Rijeka, Hrvatska
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* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Aim: The treatment of most respiratory complications of COVID-19 is primarily symptomatic and focuses on supportive care and respiratory physiotherapy. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of respiratory physiotherapy in reducing post COVID-19 respiratory symptoms, i.e. in improving lung function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. Participants and methods: 50 patients with respiratory post-COVID-19 symptoms were included in the study. Spirometry values (forced expiratory volume, FVC; forced expiratory volume 1, FEV1; FEV1/FVC), diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO), shortness of breath or dyspnea according to the Borg scale, 6-minute walk test, handgrip strength and maximal inspiratory pressure were compared before and after the pulmonary rehabilitation program. Results: A statistically significant difference was found in the values of FVC (p=0.002), FEV1 (p<0.001), FVC/FEV1 ratio (p<0.001), DLCO (p<0.001), 6-minute walk test (p<0.001), grip strength of both hands (p<0.001) and maximum inspiratory pressure (p<0.001), which increased after the pulmonary rehabilitation program. A statistically significant decrease in the subjective feeling of shortness of breath according to the Borg scale was also observed (p<0.001). Conclusion: The results obtained confirm that symptoms decrease significantly after respiratory physiotherapy and that the treatment method is effective in patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms.
Ključne riječi
breathing exercises; dyspnea; physical therapy; post-acute COVID-19 syndrome; rehabilitation
Hrčak ID:
346500
URI
Datum izdavanja:
1.6.2026.
Posjeta: 0 *