Most effective exercises for Covid-19

Coronavirus! This word needs introduction. It mainly affects the lungs and causes  pneumonia, type 2 respiratory  failure, ARDS, Lung injury, sepsis. Many people are recovering from Covid and are also facing complications.

These days, many exercise related videos are trending for Covid on social media. Most of the popular exercises are diaphragmatic, pursed lip breathing, spiro, ballon blowing, prone position. But all of this we should know when to do? What kind of exercises we should do? Fret not! We bought you this piece exclusively for these doubts.

• Exercise prescription  should be according to respiratory  rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation (spo2)
• Before doing any exercise  check heart rate, respiratory  rate, spo2  if respiratory  rate  more than 45, heart rate 95 bpm, spo2 less than 90% – one shouldn’t encourage  strenuous exercises  or vigorous  exercises
• Perform Relaxed breathing ( inhale through mouth and exhale through  nose )
• Spiro (slowly ) 5 repetitions then give rest for 10 mins and repeat it again for 5 repetitions

• Diaphragmatic breathing: Diaphragm  is the major respiratory  muscle. Place the one hand over the abdomen and the other hand over the chest. Inhale through mouth and exhale through  nose.

• Pursed lip breathing : Purse your lips as if you were going to whistle and breath out. This is one of the simplest ways to control SOB.
• If person is not comfortable in prone position  or contradictory in prone position, should encourage side lying.
• Side Lying : Diaphragm will be relaxed  due to gravity eliminated position, so it reduces the overload on the diaphragm.

For further information and consultation:

Dr. M.B.shalini (Physiotherapist)

Ramesh hospital

Vijayawada