چكيده لاتين
Background and Objective: The increasing number of COVID-19 cases worldwide and the persistence of symptoms for months after recovery have created a potential global health crisis. Therefore, investigating the long-term manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome and implementing early assessments and rehabilitation interventions are essential to prevent further deterioration and reduce the risk of severe disability following hospital discharge. Accordingly, the main objective of this study was to compare the effects of six weeks of Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) exercises delivered through in-person and remote (online) methods on respiratory function, postural control, motor performance, and quality of life in patients recovered from COVID-19.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, thirty-nine patients aged 46–54 years who had been discharged from hospitals in Kerman, Iran, were selected based on inclusion criteria using convenience and purposive sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups (n=13 each): the remote exercise group (mean age 50.18 ± 1.88 years, height 165.63 ± 3.26 cm, weight 63.90 ± 2.16 kg), the in-person exercise group (mean age 49.90 ± 1.75 years, height 164.81 ± 3.51 cm, weight 65.27 ± 2.53 kg), and the control group (mean age 50.33 ± 1.87 years, height 164.66 ± 3.70 cm, weight 64.25 ± 2.25 kg). The intervention lasted six weeks, with three sessions per week, each lasting 30–40 minutes. Postural control, motor performance, pulmonary function, and quality of life were assessed using a Biodex Balance System, the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, spirometry, and the SF-36 questionnaire, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and Bonferroni post-hoc tests, with the significance level set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results: Both training interventions, compared with the control group, produced significant improvements in respiratory function, postural stability, motor performance, and quality of life (P ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two intervention groups in respiratory function and motor performance (P > 0.05). However, the in-person training program showed greater effectiveness in improving overall postural stability (P = 0.001) and quality of life (P = 0.003) compared to the remote program.
Conclusion: Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization exercises, whether delivered in-person or remotely, are effective for the rehabilitation of post-COVID-19 patients and can be recommended as part of comprehensive rehabilitation programs. Nonetheless, direct supervision and in-person implementation appear to yield superior improvements in certain outcomes, particularly postural stability and quality of life.
