Effect of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on postural stability, pulmonary function, motor performance, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Most COVID-19 patients who require mechanical ventilation (MV) often experience significant long-term sequelae following intervention. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) exercises on postural stability (PS), pulmonary function (PF), motor performance (MP), and quality of life (QoL) in recovered COVID-19 patients after weaning from mechanical ventilation. Methods: Twenty-three patients with COVID-19, with an average age of 50 years, were randomly divided into control (CON; n = 12) and intervention (INT; n = 11) groups. The INT group underwent DNS exercise, engaging in 40-min sessions three times per week for a total period of 6 weeks. PS was assessed using Biodex, PF with spirometry, MP with the timed up and go test (TUG), the functional reach test (FRT), and QoL using the SF-36 questionnaire before and one week after the intervention. Results: Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated a significant difference in PS, PF, MP, and QoL between the CON and INT groups (p ≤ 0.05) following DNS exercise. Conclusion: DNS exercises can be effectively integrated into physical exercise and rehabilitative programs to improve PS, PF, MP, and QoL in COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID symptoms. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd