Post-COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by the persistence of symptoms for more than three months after infection, affecting multiple body systems.

To evaluate the effects of Pilates and auriculotherapy on body image, cardiac autonomic function, energy profile, anxiety, brain electrical activity, sleep quality, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients.

The sample included 25 volunteers with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Functionality was assessed using the post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) Scale, body image with the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Examination (BDDE), sleep quality with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), quality of life with the WHOQOL-BREF, and anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and salivary amylase levels. Cardiac autonomic function, energy profile, and brain waves were also evaluated. The Pilates Group (PG) performed Mat Pilates twice a week for 50 minutes over five weeks. The Pilates and Auriculotherapy Group (PAG) followed the same protocol, with the addition of weekly auriculotherapy sessions.

A reduction in body dissatisfaction was observed in the Pilates group, as well as a decrease in anxiety levels and a positive impact on heart rate variability, suggesting improved autonomic balance. Quality of life improved in the group that combined both interventions. Although sleep quality and salivary amylase levels did not show statistical significance, changes in brain electrical activity and energy profile reinforce the positive effects of the applied therapies.

This study demonstrated that, although the Pilates Group showed more evident and significant results in several variables, the combination of Pilates with Auriculotherapy also provided benefits, albeit in a more subtle manner. These two approaches can indeed be complementary, as both aim to promote the physical and emotional balance of post-COVID-19 patients. However, the results suggest that the combined intervention did not have as strong an impact as Pilates alone, highlighting the need for further research with larger samples.

This study contributes to the understanding of the effects of Pilates and Auriculotherapy in the post-COVID-19 context but also highlights the need for future research with larger samples to further explore the potential of these combined therapies and their implications for patient rehabilitation.