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Observational Study
. 2023 Nov 1;43(6):438-443.
doi: 10.1097/HCR.0000000000000813. Epub 2023 Aug 4.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Post-COVID-19

Jafar Aljazeeri  1 , Rayyan Almusally, Yijin Wert, Mostafa Abdelhalim, Cathleen Klinger, Navitha Ramesh, Taj Rahman
Affiliations
Observational Study

Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Post-COVID-19

Jafar Aljazeeri et al. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev. .

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

References

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