The impact of multicomponent training on postural balance, cardiorespiratory capacity, and quality of life in individuals with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Introduction: individuals with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome have symptoms such as chronic fatigue, myalgia, cough and mental health problems, which can compromise postural balance, cardiorespiratory capacity and quality of life. Multicomponent training is an association of different types of therapeutic exercises that can promote a better physical-functional recovery from illnesses such as severe respiratory disease that can be generalized for people with COVID-19. Objective: to investigate the relationship between multicomponent training and its effects on postural balance, cardiorespiratory capacity and quality of life of individuals with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome. Methodology: randomized clinical trial, in a sample of 59 individuals, of both sexes and aged between 18 and 70 years. In the initial and final evaluation, a form with sociodemographic and clinical questions was used. Postural balance was assessed using the Berg balance scale; cardiorespiratory capacity by the 6MWT walking test and quality of life by the quality of life questionnaire - SF 36. The sample was divided into: intervention group (IG: n=31) and control group (GC: n=28). The IG received 24 training sessions, 60 minutes each, for 12 consecutive weeks, while the CG received educational guidance during the same training period. Significance level p≤0.05. Results: the sample consisted of 59 individuals, with a mean age of 52.3+11.9, 57.6% female. On the Berg scale, the GI obtained a change from 48.8+4 points (Pre) to 51.9+4.26 points (Post) and GC, 47.8+3.96 points (Pre) to 47.9+ 4.96 points (Post). As for the distance covered in the 6MWT, GI ranged from 464.4 +81.3 meters (Pre) to 518.6 +82.7 meters (Post), and GC from 441.2 + 118.7 meters (Pre) to 433.9 + 111.7 meters (Post). And as for quality of life, GI presented a raw score of 96.3+ 10.1 (Pre) to 102.6 + 5.5 (Post), and GC, 96.4+8.0 (Pre) to 97, 7+7.7 (Post). All variables studied did not show statistically significant difference in intragroup and intergroup analysis (p≥0.05). Conclusion: multicomponent training had a positive impact on the analyzed variables; however, it was not more effective than the educational guidelines given to individuals with Post-COVID 19 Syndrome.