Abstract
Background: The global impact of COVID-19 has presented challenges to health systems, affecting both physical and psychological well-being. Nonhospitalized patients, constituting the majority, can benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation through breathing exercises. This study aims to evaluate the effect of breathing exercises delivered via social media on the general health of nonhospitalized individuals with mild COVID-19. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial conducted at university hospitals, ninety patients aged 18-65 without prior respiratory or other specified disorders were included. The intervention group learned breathing exercises from online videos on Instagram, while the control group received brochures. Both groups practiced 6 days a week for three sessions a day. Results were evaluated using General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-15), Barthel Index (BI), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: Both groups improved significantly in terms of GHQ-28 and all of its subscales, PHQ-15, and VAS (p-value < 0.05), but none achieved significant improvements in BI (p-value > 0.05). The effect size was large in all criteria except for GHQ-28 depression symptoms in the Online group (Cohen's d = 0.347; 95% CI 0.103, 0.59), and GHQ-28 anxiety/insomnia (Cohen's d = 0.794; 95% CI 0.494, 1.095) and GHQ-28 depression symptoms (Cohen's d = 0.453; 95% CI 0.135, 0.771) in the Brochure group. The differences between the Online and Brochure groups were insignificant in all assessed criteria (p-value: GHQ-28 = 0.231; PHQ-15 = 0.166; VAS = 0.385; BI = 0.165). Conclusions: Breathing exercises through social media and brochures significantly improve physical and psychological aspects in mild COVID-19 patients. While comparison with face-to-face interventions was not possible, the results are promising, encouraging physicians to consider this intervention, especially for underdeveloped countries and patients facing access barriers. Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT): IRCT20201204049600N1.