Covid-19 infection, which deeply affects our country as well as the whole world, first destroys the lungs and causes shortness of breath, cough, respiratory failure and pneumonia, sometimes it can go up to organ failure. In the improvement of the situation which develops due to this biological agent; Conscious and regular breathing exercises, which are added to joint and muscle movements, play a very important role in addition to medicines, healthy nutrition and strong immune system.
Prof. Halil Koyuncu, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist, Acıbadem Taksim Hospital, said, “Breathing exercises with muscle and joint movements are of great importance in protecting the lungs by strengthening the lungs against Covid-19 infection, accelerating the recovery after Covid-19 and regenerating the lungs. In this way, fresh air will be supplied to the body and polluted air will be removed from the body. These exercises or movements should be done regularly during the day so as not to tire the patient. It can be done sitting or in a semi-lying position. There should be rest breaks between exercises.” Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Prof. Halil Koyuncu, explained 7 important exercises which strengthen and renew the lungs, gave important warnings and suggestions.
Neck movements
It is given in the form of tilting the head forward, backward, sideways and turning it towards the shoulders. It is done at least 5 times a day; It is applied in 10-15 sets. These movements work the auxiliary respiratory muscles, especially the front muscles.
Shoulder movements
- Both shoulders are raised at the same time. Arms are kept at the sides. During the movement, breathing is taken through the nose; then it is put down well and exhaled through the mouth. It is done at least 5 times a day; It is applied in 10-15 sets.
- Move the shoulders back so that the shoulder blades touch each other. During this procedure, the anterior chest muscles are also stretched. Again, at the moment of movement, it is inhaled through the nose and then given through the mouth. If breathing is three seconds, exhalation is held longer.
- Arms are extended forward so that they are parallel to the ground. Next, the arms are moved from the front to the right and left. While doing the movement, you breathe and then be given
Back and waist movements
Lumbar bending forward, back sliding, lateral bending and rotation movements provide muscle contraction in the direction of movement and stretching of the opposite muscles. These movements are done at least 5 times a day; It is applied in 10-15 sets. Breathing should be done at the moment of movement and exhalation while ending the movement.
Diaphragmatic or abdominal exercise
It is the basic exercise for the lungs. It is done in sitting or half lying position. The dominant hand is placed on the abdomen and the other on the chest. The hand on top should not move at all. With the hand on the abdomen, the movement of the diaphragm is controlled. A deep breath is exhaled, then a deep breath is taken through the nose, the abdomen begins to swell. The hand moves forward. Then breath is given through the mouth. This is done several times. It increases the capacity of the lungs.
Chest exercises
- Upper section exercise: Hands are placed on the upper front of the chest. Finger tips touch each other in the midline. The palm of the hand touches the chest. The tops of the lungs are operated. Breathing is taken through the nose. The fingertips diverge in the meantime. Then, mouth breath is exhaled. This period should be kept long. The fingertips get closer to each other this time.
- Side chest exercise: This time, put the hands on the sides of the chest. Again, breathing is exhaled. Only these zones should work. The fingertips diverge and then move closer.
- Chest lower section exercise: Put the hands in front and on the lower ribs. The fingertips diverge while breathing in, then closer while exhaling. These exercises work the middle parts of the lungs.
- Back exercise: Put hands on the back of the chest. Fingers are brought end to end at the ends of the ribs, inside. In breathing, the fingers move away, while exhaling, they move closer. These exercises also work the bases of the lungs.
Sputum production
This process helps to aerate the lung. It allows the fluid and sputum accumulated in it to be removed. All respiratory muscles work together. In the sitting position, the patient breathes deeply through the nose and then performs a vigorous and deep cough. It realizes the discharge of the fluid at the bottom of the lungs.
Walking and swimming
After normal joint and muscle movements, active exercises can be done to strengthen the muscles and strengthen the cardiovascular, lung and muscles. It can be walking and swimming. With an arm or leg bike, a treadmill can help. These are applied in the future.