Objective: To determine whether the addition of manual diaphragm release to an inspiratory muscle training programme is more effective than inspiratory muscle training alone in reducing blood pressure, dyspnoea, fatigue, and aerobic performance capacity in men with post-COVID-19 syndrome.Design: A prospective, randomized-controlled trial.Setting: Chest Disease Department, Outpatient Clinic, Cairo University, Egypt.Participants: Fifty-two men with post-COVID-19 syndrome were allocated randomly to the study and control groups.Intervention: The study group underwent diaphragm release plus inspiratory muscle training, whereas the control group received inspiratory muscle training only.Outcome measures: All patients were assessed with the following measures at baseline and 6 weeks postintervention: maximum static inspiratory pressure for inspiratory muscle strength, peripheral arterial blood pressure, Modified Medical Research Council scale for dyspnoea, Fatigue Severity Scale, serum lactate level, and 6-min walk test distance for aerobic performance.Results: All outcome measures showed a significant improvement in favour of the study group (p < 0.001) over the control group. However, maximum static inspiratory pressure increased significantly, by 48.17% (p < 0.001) in the study group with no significant change in the control group.Conclusion: Addition of manual diaphragm release to an inspiratory muscle training programme potentiates the role of inspiratory muscle training in the management of men with symptomatic post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Foot pronation affects the postural stability at stability level four and not affects stability level eight compared with those in the control group.

IntroductionFlat foot changes the posture of the foot and affects dynamic balance. Backward walking is a novelty in rehabilitative clinic; it improves strength and balance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of backward walking training on foot posture and dynamic balance in flat foot subjects.MethodsOverall, 44 participants with bilateral mobile flat foot, aged 19–35 years, were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups. Group A received backward walking training 3 times/week for 6 weeks, in addition to traditional physical therapy exercises. Group B received traditional physical therapy exercises only, 3 times/week for 6 weeks. Before and after treatment, foot posture was assessed with the Foot Posture Index and balance was evaluated with the HUMAC Balance System through the Limits of Stability test.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the Foot Posture Index and a significant increase of the Limits of Stability in both groups after treatment compared with the pre-treatment status (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Comparison between the groups after treatment showed a significant decrease in the Foot Posture Index in group A compared with group B (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and a significant increase in the Limits of Stability in group A compared with group B (<i>p</i> < 0.001).ConclusionsBackward walking training as an addition to physical therapy exercises of flat foot can improve foot posture and enhance balance in comparison with physical therapy exercises alone.