Efficacy of a home exercise program on balance, kinesiophobia, pain and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients Efficacy of a home exercise program in post COVID

Aim: In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of a home exercise program on patients who treated for COVID-19 in the pandemic ward. Material and Methods: In this randomized, clinical, single-blinded, controlled study, 82 patients who were discharged after completing their COVID-19 treatment were included in the study, and demographic data were recorded by dividing them Into two groups as experimental (n-42) and control (n=40). Joint range of motion (ROM) and balance exercises were recommended for the experimental group as a home exercise program, while the control group did not receive any intervention. The home exercise program was implemented 5 days a week for 4 weeks. All the patients were evaluated in terms of quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile (NHP)). kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia), balance (Berg Balance Scale). pain (Visual Analog Scale) before and after the intervention. Results: In both groups, a statistically significant difference was observed in the quality of life, balance and pain levels after the intervention (p<0.05). After the intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in kinesiophobia in the experimental group (p<0.05), no statistically significant difference was found in kinesiophobia in the control group (p<0.05). In the comparison between the groups after intervention, a statistically significant difference was observed in terms of quality of life (NHP part 2), kinesiophobia, balance, with the results being in favor of the experimental group. Discussion: ROM and balance exercises for post-COVID-19 patients at the time of discharge are effective in improving quality of life, balance and kinesiophobia, but their effects on pain remain unclear.