INFLUENCE OF MANUAL DIAPHRAGM RELEASE COMBINED WITH CONVENTIONAL BREATHING EXERCISES AND PRONE POSITIONING ON PULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN WOMEN WITH COVID-19

Abstract

Mona Abdelraouf Ghallab*, Ahmed Fekry Salman, Neveen Mohammed Nawar, Karim Ibrahim Saafan, Amira Ismail Mostafa, Kerolous Ishak Shehata Kelini, ., Shaimaa Mohamed Mabrouk Bondok, . and Mona Ahmed Abdelwahab

Background: Manual noninvasive respiratory techniques gained interest to treat respiratory pathologies related to COVID 19.

Purpose: This study designed to determine the combined impact of manual diaphragmatic release technique with the impact of traditional breathing exercises as well as prone positioning on pulmonary function outcomes such as (FVC, FEV1, PEF, FEV1/FVC, FEF25, FEF50, FEF75 in addition to FEF25/75).

Methods: Forty females were randomized into two groups. Group A was given manual diaphragm release with conventional breathing exercises and prone positioning. Group B was given traditional breathing exercises as well as prone positioning. Both groups took their prescribed medications. They were aged from 35 to 45 years and with moderate COVID-19 illness. Any cases with mild and severe COVID-19 illness, ICU admission, and chest diseases were excluded.

Results: Compared to pre-treatment, both groups demonstrated statistically significant enhancement across all outcome measures. Both groups illustrate improving these measures with favor to group A. After the treatment, group A had significantly higher FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC values compared with group B (p < 0.05). There was a significant improvement in values of PEF, PEF 25%, PEF 50%, PEF 75% as well as PEF 25-75% of group A compared to that of group B after treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: It could be concluded that adding diaphragmatic release to conventional breathing exercise can improve pulmonary function parameters which is closely related to improve chest expansion, dyspnea and diaphragm excursion, thus in turn improve overall patient quality of life.