Role of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation exercises in post-COVID individuals: A randomized-control trial

Background: Pulmonary function, fatigue, and chest mobility are three important parameters which are impaired after COVID-19. Manual stretching procedures have the potential to improve pulmonary function, reduce fatigue, and improve chest mobility. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness in post-COVID-19 population remains unknown. This study explores the effectiveness of two different types of stretching techniques on pulmonary function, fatigue, and chest expansion in post-COVID-19 population. Materials and Methodology: Forty post-COVID-19 patients with mild and moderate impairment were divided into two groups (20 each). Group A received hold relax proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) pectoral stretching while Group B received chest mobility exercises for 20 min each for 7 sessions. The outcomes measures were pulmonary function test, fatigue, and chest expansion. Results: Significant within-group differences for all outcome measures were seen at the end of intervention. Between-group analysis showed a significant statistical difference in few parameters of pulmonary function testing and chest expansion in Group A than Group B. However, no statistical significance on Fatigue after the 7 sessions of intervention. Conclusions: In COVID-19 survivors with mild and moderate impairment, hold relax PNF stretching than chest mobility exercises has a significant effect on improving pulmonary function, reducing fatigue, and improving chest expansion.