Effect of Pilates Exercise on Post Covid 19 Interstitial Lung Disease

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the potential effects of Pilates exercise on individuals with interstitial lung disease resulting from a prior coronavirus disease 2019 infection. The study included sixty individuals from both sexes diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. Participants were randomly assigned to the Study Group, which received standard care for post-coronavirus disease 2019 Interstitial Lung Disease, including pharmacological interventions, pulmonary rehabilitation exercises, and a supervised Pilates exercise program for 12 weeks. Results showed that in the study group, forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity exhibited significant elevations post-treatment, while in the control group, they did not show significant variations. SpO2 was significantly increased post-treatment in both groups, but the study group exhibited a greater post-spO2 than the control group. In the study group, 6-Minute Walking distance was significantly increased post-treatment, while it was insignificantly different between pre and post-treatment in the control group. St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score decreased significantly post-treatment in the study group, while symptoms, activity, and impacts were insignificantly different between pre and post-treatment. Pilates exercise may enhance exercise capacity and quality of life in persons with post-coronavirus disease 2019 interstitial lung disease.