This study aims to investigate the effects of core stabilization exercises and functionalinspiratory muscle training (IMT) on various physiological and psychological parametersin individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Participants diagnosed with post-COVID-19syndrome will be randomly assigned to two groups using stratified computer-assistedrandomization. One group will undergo an 8-week core stabilization training, while theother will receive combined core stabilization and IMT training. Exercise training willbe conducted three times a week, with each session lasting 50 minutes.Comprehensive pre- and post-intervention assessments will be conducted, includingexercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, trunk endurance, balance,anxiety, depression, and fatigue levels. The primary outcome measures are respiratorymuscle strength and trunk endurance.Participants must be aged 18-65 years, have at least a primary education level, speakTurkish, and be classified as level 2-3 on the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale(PCFS). Eligible participants will be referred by the Internal Medicine Department atHacettepe University.The study will utilize various assessment tools, including maximal inspiratory/expiratorypressure (MIP/MEP) tests, Functional Movement Screen (FMS), plank and Sorenson endurancetests, the Timed Up and Go Test for balance, handgrip and knee extension strength tests,body composition analysis, and the SF-36 quality of life questionnaire.
This study aims to investigate the effects of core stabilization programs supported by
core stabilization exercises and functional inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on various
physiological and psychological parameters in individuals with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Participants to be included in the study will consist of individuals diagnosed with
post-COVID syndrome and will be divided into two groups with a computer-aided stratified
randomization method.
After the patients are randomly separated, one group will receive 8 weeks of core
stabilization training and the other group will receive functional IMT (IMT combined with
core stabilization) training. The exercise program is designed to last 8 weeks in total,
and the training program for both groups will be carried out on certain days (3 days) per
week, and each session will last 50 minutes.
A comprehensive assessment will be applied to both groups at the beginning and end of the
study. These assessments are; exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral
muscle strength, trunk muscle endurance, balance, anxiety and depression levels, and
fatigue level parameters. The primary outcome measure of the study will be respiratory
muscle strength and trunk muscle endurance.
Individuals who meet the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. The study will
be conducted with individuals between the ages of 18-65, with at least primary school
education, and whose local language is Turkish. Participants diagnosed with Post-COVID-19
Syndrome and who are in class 2-3 according to the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale
(PCFS) will be included in the study. Participants who are eligible for the study will be
directed to the Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Unit of the Hacettepe University Faculty
of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation by the relevant physicians of the Department of
General Internal Medicine of the Hacettepe University Department of Internal Medicine.
Other: Core Stabilization Pilates Program
12-week supervised Pilates-based core stabilization training, 3 sessions per week, 45
minutes per session.
Other: Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT)
IMT using a portable inspiratory muscle training device at 60% MIP, progressively
increased over 12 weeks.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Diagnosed with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.
- Literate and able to understand study procedures.
- Aged between 18 and 65 years.
- Willing to voluntarily participate in the study.
- Classified as functional class 2-3 according to the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status
Scale (PCFS).
- Clinically stable; comorbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes must be
controlled.
- No orthopedic or neurological conditions that would prevent assessment of peripheral
muscle strength, balance, or exercise capacity.
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism.
- Presence of uncontrolled chronic diseases.
- Any orthopedic or neurological disorders that limit mobility.
- Neurological impairments (e.g., cerebrovascular disease) or psychiatric disorders
that impair cooperation or compliance with exercise testing.
Hacettepe University
Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey
Ebru Calik Kutukcu, PhD
+905442850087
ecalik85@gmail.com
EBRU CALIK KUTUKCU, Professor, Principal Investigator
Hacettepe University