Effects of slow-deep breathing training program on physical performance in older adults with a history of covid-19 infection
Keywords:
slow-deep breathing training program, physical performance, elderly, post-COVID-19 symptomsAbstract
COVID-19 affects respiratory function and physical fitness, particularly in older adults who recover slowly and are at risk of complications. Deep and slow breathing training can help to improve lung function and overall fitness, but research in this population remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effects of a deep and slow breathing training program on pulmonary function and physical performance in older adults with a history of COVID-19 infection. The study included 46 older adults (aged 60 and above) from Mueang District, Uttaradit Province, Thailand. A total of 46 participants were selected using purposive sampling and divided into two groups of 23 participants each. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or an exercise group. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle, while the exercise group participated in the slow-deep breathing exercise program for 8 weeks. Data collection was conducted at three time points: baseline, after week 4 of exercise, and after week 8 of exercise. The data included general demographic information, and physical fitness. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, repeated measures ANOVA, and t-tests for independent samples. The results showed that after 8 weeks of exercise, the exercise group demonstrated significant improvements in physical performance (p<0.05 for one parameter and p<0.001 for four parameters). Compared to the control group, three physical performance parameters showed significant improvement in the 30-second chair stand test (p=0.044), 6-minute walk distance (p=0.007), and maximum oxygen consumption (p=0.047). The exercise group had significantly improved pulmonary function compared to their baseline (p<0.001) and showed significantly higher values than the control group in three parameters: %predicted peak expiratory flow rate (p=0.012), vital capacity (p=0.022), and %predicted vital capacity (p=0.002). Additionally, the 8-week deep and slow breathing exercise program effectively enhanced physical performance and pulmonary function in older adults with a history of COVID-19 infection.
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