Comparison of the effects of inspiratory muscle training and high-intensity interval exercise training on oxygen consumption, muscle oxygenation, and fatigue in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome and pulmonary involvement

Kavalcı Kol B., Boşnak Güçlü M., Baytok E., Yılmaz Demirci N.

36th European Respiratory Society Congress, Barcelona, İspanya, 5 - 09 Eylül 2026, ss.1, (Özet Bildiri)

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Barcelona
  • Basıldığı Ülke: İspanya
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Background: Post-COVID-19 syndrome may reduce peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) due to persistent respiratory symptoms, leading to impaired exercise capacity and fatigue. Although inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation, their effects on VO2peak, muscle oxygenation (SmO2), and fatigue remain unclear.

Aim: To compare the effects of IMT and HIIT on VO2peak, SmO2, and fatigue in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome and pulmonary involvement.

Methods: Sixty patients were allocated into IMT, HIIT, and control groups (CG). IMT was performed at 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), HIIT at 80–90% VO2peak (85–95% HRmax), and the CG breathing exercises (8 weeks). Exercise capacity (cardiopulmonary exercise test), SmO2 (NIRS), respiratory muscle strength [MIP and MEP (mouth pressure device)], and fatigue [Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS)] were evaluated.

Results: There were statistically significant between-group differences in pre–post changes in VO₂peak, VCO2, VO2/HR, and FSS score, with pre–post changes in these parameters significantly improved in the IMT and HIIT groups compared with the CG (p<0.01; IMT vs control p<0.01; HIIT vs CG p<0.01). There were no significant differences between IMT and HIIT in VO2peak, VCO2, VO2/HR, VO2/HR(%), or FSS, and no differences in SmO2 across all groups (p>0.05). MIP and MEP increased only in the IMT group (p<0.001).

Conclusion: IMT and HIIT similarly improved VO2peak and fatigue in post-COVID-19 syndrome. HIIT-induced adaptations may reflect central mechanisms, whereas IMT effects likely involve improved ventilatory efficiency. Unchanged SmO2 suggests peripheral oxygen extraction was not the main limitation. IMT may be practical option, particularly for dyspneic patients.