ABSTRACT
Introduction: Significant portion of the patients manifest symptoms, like coughing, dyspnoea, fatigue, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders or neuropsychological symptoms in post-COVID condition. It has influence on patients' quality of life and workability. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has favourable effect on the cardiovascular system, metabolism, respiratory and peripheral muscles, lung mechanics and psychological condition of the patient. Aim(s): Our aim was to assess the effectiveness of a post-COVID PR program in terms of the improvement of patients' functional condition and quality of life. Method(s): 50 patients were involved (female:male=26:24, age 55+/-12 years, BMI: 31+/-8 kg/m2) at the Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. At the onset of the program we measured lung function, 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), chest wall expansion (CWE), lung function and quality of life (EQ5D and postCovid Functional Scale (PCFS). The post-COVID rehabilitation included controlled breathing techniques, chest wall mobilization, strengthening of respiratory and peripheral muscle, endurance training for cycle and treadmill, dietetic, psychological health assessment and counselling. Result(s): Rehabilitation resulted in improvement in 6MWD (496.16 (80-780) vs. 526.32 (328-744) m;p<0.05), CWE (39.4 (15.2-98.9) vs. 47.4 (20.1-100.5) cm;p<0.05) and quality of life (EQ5D, PCFS). Statistically significant improvement was detected in IVC and FVC. No side effect was observed related to the PR program. Conclusion(s): There is an urgent need of an available PR for patients who suffer from post-COVID pulmonary symptoms to avoid serious medical, social and economic complications and it is safe for the patients.