An instructional video about strengthening the respiratory muscles was prepared under the professional guidance of Dr. György Losonczy, Professor, with the cooperation of the Department of Pulmonology and the Department of Physiotherapy of Semmelweis University. COVID-19 infection affects people with weak respiratory muscles the most: mainly the elderly, people with overweight, people who suffer from diabetes, and patients with chronic heart- and lung diseases. The more severe outcome of pneumonia is related to the inability to adapt to increased respiratory muscle load (shortness of breath), so a strong cough in the control of the disease is a key issue, which is also provided by the load-bearing respiratory muscles. The video shows the importance of the respiratory muscles in operating the respiratory pump. Respiratory muscle training exercises have not only been prepared for those belonging to risk groups, these are also recommended for the attention of those who have already recovered from pneumonia and are in a weakened condition. The recording also shows that we can strengthen our respiratory muscles in as little as three weeks. If someone is housebound, they should do this simple set of exercises shown here at least three times a day, as the breathing efficiency starts to deteriorate in just one sedentary week. Therefore, it is best if regular exercises, including respiratory training, become a part of our daily lives.
Directorate of Communication and Event Management
Video: Tamara Bartincki, Bettina Gál, Bálint Major, Zenina Sági – Semmelweis University
Translation: Katalin Illés-Romhányi
