Nordic walking, a novel regime’s impact on functional capacity, quality of life and depression and anxiety in Post Covid-19 patients

Abstract

In COVID-19, the respiratory system is most affected by cough, fever, and dyspnea. It has shown its impact on lung function and exercise is proven to aid in the restoration of the normal functioning of the lung. There have not been studies on Nordic walking in Covid-19 patients after discharge yet. The need for the research is aimed at documenting the efficacy of the Nordic walking program in Covid-19 patients after discharge. 70 patients with Post Covid-19 symptoms with age 20-50 years affected mildly to moderately will be included. Exclusion criteria will include Post Covid-19 patients not willing to participate, those who required invasive ventilator support during their hospitalization period, and Post Covid-19 patients with pre-diagnosed cardiovascular, pulmonary, nephrological, neurological, metabolic, oncological, or musculoskeletal disorders that can limit physical functioning. After randomly assigning the patients into two groups, a baseline assessment will be taken; the interventions will be for 4 weeks in which Group A will undergo walking as a training program and Group B will perform Nordic walking. Functional capacity, HRQoL (Health-related quality of life), depression, and anxiety will be checked. The result of this study will focus on examining the efficacy of Nordic walking on functional capacity, HRQoL, and depression and anxiety in Post Covid-19 patients. To present a novel and intriguing approach to rehabilitation and to achieve effective results in Post Covid-19 patients.