A Comparison Of Respiratory Function Parameters Of The Individuals Recovered From Mild Covid-19 And Their Non-Infected Counterparts

Abstract

Purpose: The COVID-19 epidemic especially attacks the immune and respiratory system, causing intensive care and deaths. Even if the post-illness tests of COVID-19 patients are negative, the effects, especially related to respiratory system, defined as post-covid-19 may continue. The objective of this study is to compare the body composition and chosen respiratory parameters between the adults surviving the disease mildly and their non-infected counterparts. Material and Methods: 60 sedentary adults (positive n=12 and negative n=24 male; positive n=15 and negative n=9 female) participated in the study voluntarily. The groups were named as positive (in the last 6 months) and negative (non-infected). Body composition and respiratory parameters such as vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second, forced expiratory flow between 25%-75% of vital capacity, tiffeneau index and peak expiratory flow rate measurements were taken. Results: According to the Independent samples t-test results, no statistically significant difference was found between the spirometric values of the sedentary adults who had COVID-19 six months ago and their non-infected counterparts (p>0.05). Conclusion: As a result of the study, it is believed that the respiratory functions of the patients who survived COVID-19 mildly may have returned to normal after 6 months.