Breathing Exercises for Post-COVID Syndrome
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Diaphragm is the principal muscle of inspiration. Diaphragmatic dysfunction is seen in many conditions including following intubation, lung disease, prolonged ventilation, neuromuscular disease, phrenic nerve injury. The possible mechanisms of diaphragmatic dysfunction in patients with COVID19 are critical illness myopathy, ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction, iatrogenic phrenic nerve injury particularly secondary to line placement, post-infectious inflammatory neuropathy of the phrenic nerve, or possibly direct neuromuscular involvement of the SARS- CoV-2 virus given expression of the angiotensin- converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in the peripheral nervous system and skeletal muscle. The use of diaphragmatic ultrasound has been widely used to assess diaphragmatic function is well known in patients following prolonged mechanical ventilation. Prolonged mechanical ventilation leads to contractile dysfunction of respiratory muscles, in particular the diaphragm, causing a so-called ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction. The latter is defined as a loss of diaphragm force-generating capacity specifically related to the use of mechanical ventilation. However, the use of diaphragmatic Ultrasound to assess its function in Long COVID patients has not been noted and is a gap in the work up of these patients. The purpose of this study is to address Diaphragmatic Dysfunctional (DD) breathing seen in patients with Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), which results in shortness of breath/chest tightness and subsequent fatigue. Targeting shortness of breath and subsequent fatigue as a central symptom of PASC will alleviate long term sequelae for the patients with PASC. DD will be addressed by a unique intervention of physical therapy. The goal of this prospective randomized clinical study will be to evaluate the comparative treatment effect of DB on markers, specifically fatigue, dyspnea, 6 min walk test, depression/anxiety, and quality of life (QoL).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants should have a stable dose of antidepressants prior to COVID-19 infection, suggesting that some medications may be continued if they are stable.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises for Post-COVID Syndrome?
Research shows that breathing exercises, including diaphragmatic breathing, can improve lung function, quality of life, and exercise capacity in people recovering from COVID-19. Studies found significant improvements in breathing ability and physical performance when these exercises were done regularly, even when delivered through telemedicine.12345
Is it safe to do breathing exercises for post-COVID syndrome?
Breathing exercises, including diaphragmatic breathing and deep breathing, have been studied in various conditions and are generally considered safe for humans. They have been shown to improve lung function and quality of life without reported safety concerns in studies involving post-COVID-19 patients and those with other respiratory conditions.13678
How do diaphragmatic breathing exercises differ from other treatments for post-COVID syndrome?
Diaphragmatic breathing exercises are unique because they focus on strengthening the diaphragm (the main muscle used in breathing) and improving breathing patterns, which can be done easily at home or via telemedicine. Unlike other treatments that may require equipment or in-person sessions, these exercises can be self-administered and are particularly beneficial for improving lung function and quality of life in post-COVID patients.135910
Research Team
Farha Ikramuddin, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Minnesota
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals experiencing diaphragmatic dysfunction after COVID-19, which includes symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Participants should have a history of COVID-19 and be facing ongoing respiratory issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo diaphragmatic breathing exercises to address diaphragmatic dysfunction and improve symptoms such as fatigue and dyspnea
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of quality of life, depression, anxiety, and physical health
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor