Effect of Adding Laser Acupuncture to Pedometer-Based Walking on Quality of Life in Post-COVID 19 Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: “Corona virus disease 2019 or COVID-19” causes significant respiratory, internal, physical, and psychological problems affecting quality of life [QoL]. Pedometer-based walking and laser acupuncture may improve the health of patients with COVID-19 but more research is needed.Aim of the Work: This study aimed to investigate the effect of pedometer-based walking alone or combined with laser acupuncture on QoL in post-COVID patients.Patients and Methods: Sixty post-COVID-19 patients of both genders with ages ranging from 35-48 years old were recruited from the Chest-disease outpatient clinic of El Khankah Central Hospital and divided equally to Group A & B. Group A underwent laser acupuncture 3 session per week, with pedometer-based walking [3000 steps] for 4 weeks. Patients of Group B received daily pedometer-based walking [3000 steps] for 4 weeks. They were evaluated regarding C-reactive protein, white blood cells, lymphocytes, neutrophils, six-minute walk test, fatigue assessment, and short form 36.Results: There were significant improvements in all outcomes [P-value < 0.05] after both treatments that were significantly higher in group A.Conclusion: Combining laser acupuncture and pedometer-based walking is better than pedometer-based walking alone in improving QoL in post COVID-19 patients. However, both treatments were effective. Program of management of patients with post COVID-19 syndrome should include pedometer-based walking and laser acupuncture.

Keywords

• laser acupuncture
• pedometer-based walking
• post covid-19 syndrome
• quality of life