Influence of Manual Diaphragm Release Technique Combined with Inspiratory Muscle Training on Selected Persistent Symptoms in Men with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Ebtesam N Nagy, Doaa A Elimy, Ahmed Y Ali and 2 others
PMID 36121338WHAT IT FOUND
Adding manual diaphragm release to inspiratory muscle training improved inspiratory strength, reduced breathlessness and fatigue, and lowered blood pressure more than training alone in men with post-COVID symptoms.
The study was small, single-gender, and excluded those with other major conditions.
Key findings
01The combined intervention increased maximum static inspiratory pressure by 48.17% compared to no significant change in the control group.
02Breathlessness (MMRC score) and fatigue (FSS score) decreased significantly more in the study group than in the control group.
03Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly more in the study group than in the control group.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTs
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What it does not show
The study included only men with moderate post-COVID syndrome, so results may not apply to women or those with more severe or mild symptoms. The sample size was small (52 completed the study), and 8 participants dropped out. The study did not assess diaphragm weakness via ultrasound or EMG, nor did it quantify peripheral muscle function. Subgroup analyses by age or disease severity were not possible due to the sample size.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest. The study received no specific funding from public, private, or non-profit bodies.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume this intervention works for all post-COVID patients. The study only included men with moderate symptoms who were hypertensive and excluded those with cardiac or chronic respiratory disease. Additionally, both groups received prescribed medications and inspiratory muscle training, so the benefit is specifically from adding manual diaphragm release, not from the training or medication alone.