Abstract
Introduction and Aim: It has been observed that recovery from COVID-19 is delayed due to continuation of myalgia, fatigue, headache and some respiratory problems even after the discharge from the hospital. Reports indicate the improvement of sensory, cardiorespiratory and psychological functions following practice of Prone asanas and Pal’s pranayama. Therefore, we conducted a pilot study to assess if practice of asanas in prone posture and slow breathing exercise of Pal’s pranayama schedule can facilitate recovery from the COVID-19 illness and alleviate post-recovery complications in these patients.
 Materials and Methods: This is an interventional pilot study conducted in COVID positive patients. A structured module of prone asanas and Pal’s pranayama schedule was given to the COVID positive patients in addition to the routine medical treatments and their stress levels were assessed prior to and after the practice. Also, the acute effects of asana-pranayama schedule on the improvement of cardiorespiratory functions and occurrence of other complications in the recovery phase was recorded.
 Results: Following practice of asana-pranayama schedule, the patients recovered faster from myalgia, fatigue, headache and respiratory problems and they had a feeling of well-being. Further, the complications in the recovery phase of COVID-19 were prevented and the intensity of stress was reduced with the practice of asana-pranayama schedule.
 Conclusion: This pilot study has shed some light on the early recovery and the prevention of complications in the recovery phase of COVID-19.
Highlights
Introduction and AimIt has been observed that recovery from COVID-19 is delayed due to continuation of myalgia, fatigue, headache and some respiratory problems even after the discharge from the hospital
This pilot study has shed some light on the early recovery and the prevention of complications in the recovery phase of COVID-19
Inspite of the fact that 80% of corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients recuperate without much medical intervention, older people and individuals with comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, heart and lung diseases and cancer are at higher risk of developing serious illness [1]
Summary
It has been observed that recovery from COVID-19 is delayed due to continuation of myalgia, fatigue, headache and some respiratory problems even after the discharge from the hospital. Reports indicate the improvement of sensory, cardiorespiratory and psychological functions following practice of Prone asanas and Pal’s pranayama. We conducted a pilot study to assess if practice of asanas in prone posture and slow breathing exercise of Pal’s pranayama schedule can facilitate recovery from the COVID-19 illness and alleviate post-recovery complications in these patients. It has been reported that COVID mortality is mostly due to acute pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) [2]. The convalescence of COVID-19 patients is delayed as a result of persistence of myalgia, weakness, headache and stress-related problems. There are several ongoing clinical trials of both western and traditional medicines for development of new therapies and vaccines for COVID-19
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