ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of inpatient rehabilitation on pulmonary function in patients recovering from COVID-19, a multifaceted disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This aspect of recovery is crucial, as pneumonia associated with this disease can cause lung-function abnormalities with varying degrees of hypoxemia. This study involved 150 patients qualified for inpatient rehabilitation following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Functional assessment of the lungs was performed by spirometry. The mean age of patients was 64.66 (±11.93) years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.16 (±5.68). The tests showed a statistically significant improvement in spirometric parameters. The rehabilitation program based on aerobic, strength, and endurance exercises improved lung-function parameters in the long term. The improvement in spirometric parameters in patients after COVID-19 may be related to body mass index (BMI).
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of inpatient rehabilitation on pulmonary function in patients recovering from COVID-19, a multifaceted disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This aspect of recovery is crucial, as pneumonia associated with this disease can cause lung-function abnormalities with varying degrees of hypoxemia. This study involved 150 patients qualified for inpatient rehabilitation following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Functional assessment of the lungs was performed by spirometry. The mean age of patients was 64.66 (±11.93) years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.16 (±5.68). The tests showed a statistically significant improvement in spirometric parameters. The rehabilitation program based on aerobic, strength, and endurance exercises improved lung-function parameters in the long term. The improvement in spirometric parameters in patients after COVID-19 may be related to body mass index (BMI).
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Middle Aged , Aged , SARS-CoV-2 , Lung , Exercise Therapy/methods , ExerciseABSTRACT
COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Infection with the virus can occur with differing symptom severity, from mild and moderate to severe cases, but the long-term consequences of infection have not been fully identified or studied. Long COVID is defined as occurring in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and symptoms persisting for at least two months within three months of onset that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to look for factors that influence the type and severity of Long COVID symptoms. In total, 932 individuals with a history of COVID-19 were qualified for the study using an original questionnaire based on the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehab Screen (C19-YRS) questionnaire. Older adults were more likely to report problems with mobility (p < 0.001) and in performing daily activities (p = 0.014). Those with a higher BMI showed significantly more symptoms such as dyspnea at rest (p < 0.001) and on exertion (p < 0.001), feelings of chronic fatigue (p = 0.023), problems with mobility (p < 0.001), and in performing daily activities (p = 0.002). The data show that those with Long COVID should receive multidisciplinary help including additional medical and psychological support. Particular attention should be paid to elderly and obese persons, who should be included in rehabilitation programs after COVID-19 in the first place.