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Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises With KOTS Currents in Patients With Long COVID
Sponsor: Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Summary
This study will evaluate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises combined with diaphragmatic electrostimulation using KOTS currents in patients with Long COVID. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The control group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises, while the intervention group will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises combined with diaphragmatic electrostimulation using KOTS currents. The intervention will last three weeks, with two sessions per week. The study will assess respiratory function, quality of life, physical function, dyspnea, fatigue, and basal oxygen saturation.
Official title: Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises Combined With Diaphragmatic Electrostimulation Using KOTS Currents in Patients With Long COVID: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 65 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
9
Start Date
2026-06-14
Completion Date
2026-08-07
Last Updated
2026-09-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Diaphragmatic Electrostimulation Using KOTS Currents
Diaphragmatic electrostimulation will be applied using KOTS currents, a medium-frequency alternating current stimulation. Electrodes will be placed over the seventh and eighth rib region along the mammillary line. Stimulation will be delivered in trains of 4 seconds of stimulation followed by 8 seconds of rest, with a carrier frequency of 2,500 Hz. The standard treatment duration will be 15 minutes: 10 minutes at 30 Hz followed by 5 minutes at 70 Hz. Stimulation intensity will be adjusted according to participant tolerance. The intervention will be delivered twice per week for three weeks, together with diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
Participants will perform diaphragmatic breathing exercises in a supine position with the knees flexed. One hand will be placed on the chest and the other hand below the sternum. Participants will be instructed to inhale through the nose while expanding the abdomen with minimal thoracic movement, and to exhale slowly through pursed lips. The breathing pattern will include a 4-second inspiration and a 6-second expiration. Exercises will be performed twice per week for three weeks.
Locations (1)
Clínica Universitaria Salus Infirmorum, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca
Madrid, Madrid, Spain