ABSTRACT
SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is an economic, social, and health challenge. During the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown, a telematics platform for respiratory physiotherapy and mindfulness was created, aiming to reduce dyspnea and anxiety and to increase quality of life in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patient. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was performed on post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients, with breathing exercises and mindfulness with remote supervision by a respiratory physiotherapist. Dyspnea on exertion (Mahler Scale), quality of life (EuroQol-5D score), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire) were measured before and after the rehabilitation program. RESULTS: A total of 20 subjects completed the program, with a significant decrease in the measures of dyspnea on exertion (p<0.001), state anxiety (p=0.004), and trait anxiety (p=0.001) and a significant increase in quality of life (p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Coronavirus disease 2019 should be treated using a multidisciplinary approach that includes respiratory rehabilitation. At present, there are few studies on respiratory rehabilitation and mindfulness in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients. The results of this study showed that the implementation of breathing exercises and mindfulness with remote supervision was effective in decreasing dyspnea and anxiety and in increasing quality of life in post-coronavirus disease 2019 patients during confinement.
ABSTRACT
SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The infection caused by coronavirus disease 2019 can lead to respiratory sequelae in individuals who have experienced severe or mild symptoms. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was developed, following the STROBE guidelines. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures were assessed in 50 healthy young students (26 women, 24 men; age 22.20±2.41 years). The inclusion criteria were as follows: aged between 18 and 35 years; control group: not diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019; and coronavirus disease 2019 group: diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019, at least 6 months ago. The exclusion criteria were as follows: obese/overweight; infected with coronavirus disease 2019 or coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms in the last 6 months; smokers; and asthmatics. RESULTS: When comparing with groups, the coronavirus disease 2019 group presented statistically significant lower maximal inspiratory pressure values compared with the control group (88.32±16.62 vs. 101.01±17.42 cm H2O; p=0.01). Regarding the maximal expiratory pressure, no significant differences were found. Similar results were found when performing a subgroup analysis by sex and group. CONCLUSIONS: Young students who suffered from coronavirus disease 2019 asymptomatically or mildly at least 6 months ago presented a significant decrease in the inspiratory muscle strength as a sequel, so we believe that patients affected by this disease should have a brief postinfection assessment of this musculature to detect the indication for cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.