Novita Intan Arovah, Dian Listiarini, Wara Kushartanti
Objectives: While most Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) patients recover without long-term effects, some experience post-COVID-19 syndromes causing persistent physical impairments, including reduced pulmonary function. This study assesses the effects of circuit training involving aerobic, strength and breathing exercises on pulmonary function in women with post-COVID-19 syndromes. Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 60 women with post-COVID-19 symptoms, assigned to control or an 8-week, thrice-weekly, 50-minute exercises at 65-75% maximum heart rate. Pulmonary functions and oxygens saturation were measured using COSMED Pony spirometer before and after the program. Split-plot Repeated Measures ANOVA was used to calculate the time, treatment, and interaction effects, followed by effect size calculations with the Cohens’d. Results: Significant time effects for all measures were found, except for SpO2 (oxygen saturation) and tidal volume. Interaction effects were demonstrated in SpO2, FEV1(Force expiratory volume) 1, FEV1/FVC (Forced Vital Capacity) and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), indicating that improvements only occurred in the treatment group. Effect size calculation indicated significant improvements in all measures, excluding FEV1/FVC% and tidal volume in the exercise group, while only in FVC and MVV in the control group. Discussion: The exercise program showed clear benefits for enhancing overall respiratory function in post-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: This study highlights the effectiveness of the exercise in improving post-COVID-19 pulmonary function. © 2025 Didactic Asociation Andalucia. All rights reserved.
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Department of Physical, Health and Recreation, Education, Universitas Wahid Hasyim, Semarang, Indonesia
