Post-COVID recovery is associated with reduced functional fitness/capacity, low quality of life, and physical disabilities in those who survived after contracting the disease. The unpleasant symptoms of chronic post-viral/post-COVID syndrome (chronic fatigue perception, variant nonspecific myalgia, bad mood or depression, and insomnia or sleep disturbances) usually magnify the symptoms of already existing previously diagnosed concurrent untreatable chronic disorders , including the idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF).(Leszczak et al., 2024) Baduanjin exercise training (BET) is one of the Chinese traditional Health-Qigong exercises that not only integrate slow coordinating postures/positions, breathing techniques, musculoskeletal stretching movements/positions, and meditative mind but also plays a strong role concerning health benefits (e.g. musculoskeletal pain-reducing, sleep disturbance-enhancing effects, and fatigue-reducing effects) (Zou et al., 2018).
forty idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF) patients will be randomly assigned into two equal groups (n=20) 1. Study group (20 patients) this group will be supervised daily, except Fridays, during the 60-minute session of 12-week BET) or waitlist group 2. Control group (20 patients)
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Baduanjin Exercise Training (BET) is a traditional Chinese exercise focused on improving physical health, flexibility, balance, and mental well-being. It involves a 10-minute warm-up, a 40-minute core session practicing eight distinct postures, and a 10-minute cool-down. The postures, based on the Baduanjin form, target different body parts and promote strength, flexibility, and circulation. The exercises are synchronized with deep breathing to enhance relaxation and stress reduction. BET is especially beneficial for joint health, mobility, and mental clarity, making it suitable for individuals of all ages and fitness levels
Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt
RECRUITINGPulmonary function: By Spirometry Device:
• Pulmonary function: By Spirometry Device: it measure ventilatory functions. forced vital capacity (FVC)
Time frame: By Spirometry Device: forced vital capacity will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured after twelve weeks again
Pulmonary function: By Spirometry Device:
Pulmonary function: By Spirometry Device: it measure ventilatory functions forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)
Time frame: By Spirometry Device forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured after twelve weeks again
Measuring functional capacity: By Six-minute walk test (6MWT)
Measuring functional capacity: By Six-minute walk test (6MWT): is a self paced submaximal field exercise test , It will be performed according to the standard procedure is administered in a 30 meter hallway. (Launois et al., 2012 and ATS statement2002)
Time frame: Measuring functional capacity: By Six-minute walk test (6MWT)::will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
Modified Borg dyspnea scale (MBDS)
Modified Borg dyspnea scale (MBDS) is patient self-reported measures of one's difficulty in breathing upon exertion
Time frame: Modified Borg dyspnea scale (MBDS) will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
Strength of lower limb muscles By a thirty-second sit-to-stand test
thirty-second sit-to-stand test was designed for testing leg strength and endurance it is the number of repetitions of sit-to-stand action executed in thirty seconds
Time frame: thirty-second sit-to-stand test will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
Endurance of upper limb muscles: by the maximal repetitions of push-ups (MRPU).
Endurance of upper limb muscles: by the maximal repetitions of push-ups (MRPU) is commonly used to assess upper body strength, muscular endurance, and overall fitness levels.
Time frame: the maximal repetitions of push-ups (MRPU). will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
Cardiorespiratory fitness:by the index of Ruffier test (IRT).
Cardiorespiratory fitness: by the index of Ruffier test (IRT). is a simple, non-invasive method used to assess the recovery capacity of the heart after exercise and can be used to monitor fitness improvements over time.
Time frame: Cardiorespiratory fitness:by the index of Ruffier test (IRT). will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
Quality of life: by the short form 36 questionnaire (SF)
Quality of life: by the short form 36 questionnaire (SF) is a set of generic, coherent, and easily administered quality-of-life measures. These measures rely upon patient self-reporting and have been widely used
Time frame: Quality of life: by the short form 36 questionnaire (SF) will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
sleep quality by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI):
sleep quality by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI): This is a 19 item widely used self-report questionnaire designed to assess sleep quality and disturbances
Time frame: sleep quality by Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI):will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI):
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI):widely used self-report questionnaire designed to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms
Time frame: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI):will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
fatigue assessment by Buzhongyiqi-Tang questionnaire (BZTQ):
Buzhongyiqi-Tang questionnaire (BZTQ): Fatigue syndrome's severity can be rated via this validated 16-item questionnaire (every item was rated 7-Likert scale responses starting from zero to seven).
Time frame: Buzhongyiqi-Tang questionnaire (BZTQ)::will be measured at baseline, and it will be measured again after twelve weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.