동적 상지운동을 동반한 호흡운동이 COVID-19 20대 여성 확진자의 폐 기능과 호흡근 근력에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine how breathing exercise accompanied by dynamic upper extremity exercise affects pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength in females in their 20s who were confirmed to have COVID-19. Methods: This study included female students in their 20s who passed 3-5 weeks after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The subjects were assigned to experimental and control groups according to the participation period. The experimental group performed 10 min of warm-up and cool-down exercise and 30 min of diaphragmatic breathing exercise accompanied by dynamic upper extremity exercise three times per week for 4 weeks. Pulmonary function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume at one second) and respiratory muscle strength (maximal expiratory pressure and maximal inspiratory pressure) were assessed using a spirometer. Cough capacity (peak expiratory flow) was assessed using a peak flow meter. Data analysis was performed using independent and paired t-tests. Results: No significant increase in pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength was observed in both groups. However, the experimental group showed a significant increase in cough capacity and grip strength (p<.05). Conclusion: Breathing exercise accompanied by dynamic upper extremity exercise may be effective in improving cough capacity and grip strength in females in their 20s with confirmed COVID-19.