While Covid-19 infection, which deeply affects our country along with 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 picture that 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. Acıbadem Taksim Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Specialist Prof. Dr. Halil Koyuncu, “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 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. Dr. Halil Koyuncu explained 7 important exercises that strengthen and regenerate the lungs, and gave important warnings and suggestions.
Neck movements
It is given in the form of turning the head forward, backward, bending sideways and turning towards the shoulders. It is done at least 5 times a day; It is applied in 10-15 sets. These movements assist respiratory muscles; especially works 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.
- The shoulders are moved 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, breathing is taken through the nose and then given through the mouth. If breathing is three seconds, exhalation is held longer.
- Arms are stretched forward parallel to the ground. Next, the arms are moved from the front to the right and left. While moving, breathing is taken and then exhaled.
Back and waist movements
Lumbar bending forward, back sliding, lateral bending and rotational 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. Finger tips diverge in the meantime. Then, mouth breath is exhaled. This period should be kept long. The fingertips get closer to each other this time.
- Chest lateral exercise: This time, the hands are placed on the sides of the chest. Again, breathing is exhaled. Only these zones should work. The fingertips diverge and then come closer.
- Chest lower exercise: Put 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 section exercise: Hands are placed 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 removal of the fluid at the bottom of the lungs.
Hiking 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.
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