Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Post-COVID-19

Abstract

Purpose: Patients with COVID-19 often report persistent respiratory symptoms. Limited data exist on how to mitigate long-term sequelae of exercise intolerance and dyspnea. We aimed to study the role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with post-COVID-19. Methods: This was an observational study. Consecutive patients with post-COVID-19, admitted to three separate outpatient PR programs, were enrolled. The program consisted of 8-12 wk of PR sessions (3 times/wk). Data were gathered at the initial visit and discharge. The primary outcome was the change in the 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance. Secondary outcomes included the Shortness of Breath Questionnaire (SOBQ), modified Borg dyspnea scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Lung Information Needs Questionnaire (LINQ). Results: A total of 56 patients completed the PR program (age 62.8 ± 14.7 yr, 57% were men). At baseline, the mean 6MWT was 313.3 ± 193.8 m. On average, the 6MWT improved by 84.3 m after PR (P < .0001). Apart from the modified Borg dyspnea scale, there was improvement across secondary outcomes: SOBQ (−16.9 points), PHQ-9 (−2.6 points), and LINQ (−4.2 points); all P < .05. Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation showed a promising positive effect on patients with with post-COVID-19. It improved exercise capacity, perception of dyspnea, depressive symptoms, and patient knowledge needed to manage their lung disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation should be considered for post-COVID-19 patients.

Emerging trends in management of long COVID with a focus on pulmonary rehabilitation: A review

“…Pulmonary rehabilitation showed a promising positive effect on long COVID patients. 49 , 50 A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis showed that pulmonary rehabilitation could improve exercise capacity measured by 6MWD among patients with mild‐to‐moderate lung impairment after COVID‐19. 51 In patients with long COVID, exercise capacity, functional status, dyspnoea, fatigue and quality of life improved after 6 weeks of personalized interdisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation.…”