Functional inspiratory muscle and core stabilization training for people with post-COVID-19 syndrome

Investigation of the Effects of Functional Respiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Function, Exercise Capacity, Skeletal Muscle Strength, and Muscle Endurance in Individuals With Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

This trial will test whether adding inspiratory muscle training to core stabilization helps adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome improve breathing strength, trunk endurance, exercise capacity, and symptoms like fatigue and breathlessness.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Hacettepe University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Ankara, Çankaya)
• Trial ID: NCT07051954 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome will be randomized to 8 weeks of core stabilization exercises alone or core stabilization combined with functional inspiratory muscle training, with sessions three times weekly lasting about 50 minutes. Comprehensive pre- and post-intervention assessments include exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, trunk endurance, balance, and measures of anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Primary outcomes are respiratory muscle strength and trunk muscle endurance, and randomization is stratified by key variables using computer-assisted methods. Participants are aged 18–65, Turkish-speaking, literate, clinically stable, and classified as PCFS functional class 2–3.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with a diagnosis of post-COVID-19 syndrome, PCFS functional class 2–3, who are clinically stable, literate in Turkish, and without orthopedic or neurological impairments that would limit participation.

Not a fit: People with recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism, uncontrolled chronic diseases, severe neurological or psychiatric disorders, major mobility-limiting orthopedic problems, or those outside the 18–65 age range are unlikely to benefit or will be excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined program could strengthen breathing muscles and trunk endurance, boost exercise capacity, and reduce fatigue and mood symptoms in people with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller trials and rehabilitation programs using inspiratory muscle training and core exercises in respiratory disease and preliminary post-COVID cohorts have reported improvements in respiratory strength and symptoms, but large randomized data are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome.
* Literate and able to understand study procedures.
* Aged between 18 and 65 years.
* Willing to voluntarily participate in the study.
* Classified as functional class 2-3 according to the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS).
* Clinically stable; comorbid conditions such as hypertension or diabetes must be controlled.
* No orthopedic or neurological conditions that would prevent assessment of peripheral muscle strength, balance, or exercise capacity.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism.
* Presence of uncontrolled chronic diseases.
* Any orthopedic or neurological disorders that limit mobility.
* Neurological impairments (e.g., cerebrovascular disease) or psychiatric disorders that impair cooperation or compliance with exercise testing.

Where this trial is running

Ankara, Çankaya

• Hacettepe University — Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: EBRU CALIK, Professor — Hacettepe University
• Study coordinator: Ebru Calik, PhD

Conditions Post COVID-19 Syndrome; Functional Inspiratory Muscle Training; Core Stabilization; Post-COVID Syndrome; Trunk Muscle Endurance; Exercise Capacity