Effectiveness of Breathing Exercises and Stabilization Techniques on Patients with COVID-19: Quasi-Experimental Study

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of respiratory exercises and stabilization techniques on patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study and a single community-based hospital. Thirty-nine patients with COVID-19 completed the study, of which 20 underwent respiratory exercises and stabilization techniques, while the rest (19 patients) did not. Respiratory exercises and stabilization techniques comprised diaphragmatic breathing, pursed-lip breathing, square box breathing, huff coughing, and progressive muscle relaxation. Outcomes were assessed using the Modified Borg Scale (MBS), the Breathlessness, Cough, and Sputum Scale (BCSS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for mental health. Questionnaires were administered at admission, discharge, and 6 months after discharge. Results: Patients who received respiratory exercises and stabilization techniques showed significant improvements in MBS (p = 0.0001) and BCSS scores (p = 0.002) at discharge. However, there were no significant long-term effects on these physical symptoms. Significant interaction in HADS scores were also observed. Conclusions: Although there were no significant long-term effects, respiratory exercises and stabilization techniques resulted in short-term improvements in the physical and mental health of patients with COVID-19.