Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Buteyko breathing versus Bhastrika Pranayama on Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (MBS), blood samples (levels of CRP and d-dimer), six-minute walk test (6MWT), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) Questionnaire in COVID-19 Patients.
Methods: Sixty patients who were 40-50 years old were recruited from El Khankah Centeral Hospital, from May 2022 to July 2022, with COVID-19. Patients were divided equally and randomly into two groups and took their medications. Group A underwent traditional physical therapy program (mobility exercises and Postural drainage) with Bhastrika Pranayama breathing exercise. Group B underwent traditional physical therapy program with Buteyko breathing exercise. Treatment was applied as daily sessions for a week. Subjects were evaluated, at baseline and after treatment, by (MBS), (CRP and d-dimer), (6MWT), (PSQI), (SF-36). Mixed MANOVA was conducted.
Results: There was significant interaction effect of time and treatment improvements in all outcomes after intervention in group A and B (p<0.05). Between group differences were non-significant in all outcomes except in 6MWT that was higher in favor of Group A. Both types of breathing techniques were effective in improving QoL in post-COVID-19 patients, but Bhastrika one is better in terms of 6MWT.
Conclusions: Both types of breathing techniques were effective in improving (MBS), blood samples (levels of CRP and d-dimer), (6MWT), (PSQI), (SF-36) QoL in COVID-19 patients, but Bhastrika one is better in terms of 6MWT.
Keywords: Bhastrika Pranayama breathing, Buteyko breathing, COVID-19, Dyspnea, Quality of life, Sleep Quality.