In:
International Journal of Sports Medicine, Georg Thieme Verlag KG, Vol. 43, No. 12 ( 2022-11), p. 1043-1051
Abstract:
Standardized exercise therapy programs in pulmonary rehabilitation have been
shown to improve physical performance and lung function parameters in post-acute COVID-19 patients. However, it has not been investigated if these positive
effects are equally beneficial for both sexes. The purpose of this study was to analyze outcomes of a pulmonary rehabilitation program with respect to sex
differences, in order to identify sex-specific pulmonary rehabilitation requirements. Data of 233 post-acute COVID-19 patients (40.4% females)
were analyzed before and after a three-week standardized pulmonary rehabilitation program. Lung function parameters were assessed using
body-plethysmography and functional exercise capacity was measured by the Six-Minute Walk Test. At post-rehabilitation, females showed a significantly
smaller improvement in maximal inspiration capacity and forced expiratory volume (F=5.86, ω2=.02; p 〈 0.05) than males.
Exercise capacity improvements between men and women did not differ statistically. Females made greater progress towards reference values of
exercise capacity (T(231)=−3.04; p 〈 0.01) and forced
expiratory volume in the first second (T(231)=2.83; p 〈 0.01) than
males. Sex differences in the improvement of lung function parameters seem to exist and should be considered when personalizing standardized exercise
therapies in pulmonary rehabilitation.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0172-4622
,
1439-3964
Language:
English
Publisher:
Georg Thieme Verlag KG
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2041541-2
SSG:
31
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