Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week physiotherapy program on muscle strength, functional capacity, respiratory function, and quality of life in women recovering from COVID-19. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with 42 women aged 18-65 who experienced muscle strength loss and functional impairments post-COVID-19. Participants underwent personalized physiotherapy interventions, including resistance training, respiratory therapy, and functional mobility exercises, for 8 weeks. Data were collected at baseline and post-intervention, including handgrip strength, 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), forced vital capacity (FVC), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and SF-36 scores. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Significant improvements were observed in muscle strength, with right-handgrip strength increasing from 18.5 ± 4.2 kg to 22.8 ± 4.6 kg (p < 0.001) and left-handgrip strength from 17.2 ± 4.1 kg to 21.1 ± 4.5 kg (p < 0.001). Functional capacity improved, as evidenced by a 6MWT distance increase from 382 ± 62 m to 438 ± 57 m (p < 0.001). Respiratory function parameters, including FVC and FEV1, also showed significant gains (p < 0.01). Quality of life scores improved significantly, particularly in physical functioning and vitality domains, while fatigue levels decreased markedly (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of physiotherapy in addressing the physical and functional consequences of COVID-19 in women. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating physiotherapy into post-COVID-19 rehabilitation protocols to enhance recovery and quality of life.