Effect of kinesiotape versus diaphragmatic breathing exercise in post COVID-19 patients: a comparative study.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Basic science department, faculty of physical therapy cairo university

2 Basic science department, faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University, Egypt

3 Basic science department, faculty of physical therapy, cairo university, Egypt

4 Professor of chest disease Faculty of medicine Banha University Egypt

Abstract

Background: The post-COVID-19 condition is a group of durable physical, cognitive, 
and/or psychiatric symptoms that last for greater than 12 weeks following COVID-19. 
Until now, there has been no exact rehabilitation program for improving physical 
performance and oxygen saturation. Purpose: To compare the impacts of kinesiotape 
(KT) and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on physical performance and oxygen 
saturation. Methods: Sixty post-COVID-19 patients were allocated into three groups. 
Group A: 20 patients were given pursed-lip breathing and Cognitive Behavior Therapy 
(CBT) for 6 weeks. Group B: 20 patients were given diaphragmatic breathing exercises 
in addition to pursed-lip breathing and CBT for six weeks. Group C: 20 patients were 
given KT in addition to pursed-lip breathing and CBT for 6 weeks. Outcome measures 
included: Physical performance evaluated by a six-minute walk test (6MWT), and 
oxygen saturation measured by a pulse oximeter. The assessment was done at baseline 
and six weeks after treatment. Results: Three groups showed a statistically significant 
improvement in 6MWT and oxygen saturation after treatment compared to before 
treatment (p < 0.001). But group B had a significantly higher 6MWT and oxygen 
saturation in comparison with both group A and group C (p < 0.05). Conclusion: 
Diaphragmatic breathing exercises added to pursed-lip breathing and cognitive 
behavior therapy are more effective than KT in the rehabilitation of post-COVID-19 
patients.

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