HBO-therapy and breathing simulators in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered COVID-19 associated pneumonia

Objective. To study the effectiveness of the combined use of HBO therapy and respiratory simulators in patients who have suffered COVID-19 associated pneumonia Material and methods. 40 men and women aged 24 to 66 years were under observation. The main group included patients who had training sessions using breathing simulators before HBO therapy sessions. The comparison group consisted of patients who received only HBO therapy sessions in accordance with the temporary guidelines (BMR) of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus infection (COVID -19) version7 dated 06/03/2020. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated based on the results of a study of respiratory function and quality of life indicators according to the SAT test. Results. A comparative analysis of clinical efficacy revealed a pronounced advantage of the combined use of HBO therapy and respiratory simulators, which was expressed both in a more pronounced improvement in the general condition and indicators of respiratory function in patients of the main group. Conclusions. Systematic sessions of HBO therapy in combination with training using breathing simulators in conditions of dosed hypoxia and hypercapnia make it possible to increase the functional capabilities of the respiratory system in a short period of time, to increase the adaptive potential of patients. Keywords: COVID-19 associated pneumonia, tissue hypoxia, HBO therapy, hypoxic-hypercapnic training, respiratory system,adaptation Conclusion. The use of respiratory trainers in combination with HBO therapy allows for a more pronounced positive clinical effect in most patients, which is expressed not only in the elimination of tissue hypoxia, but also in the normalization of respiratory function, an increase in the functional reserves of the respiratory system, an increase in the adaptive capabilities of the patients body, and an improvement in the quality of life of this category of patients.