ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 ICU patients present respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness both during hospitalisation and following discharge. However, few studies have evaluated muscle strength in non-ICU hospitalised patients. Aim(s): To report the incidence of muscle weakness in non-ICU hospitalised patients and investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength. Method(s): Maximum static inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) muscle pressures, quadriceps muscle force (QF), and handgrip strength were assessed in 21 patients (age: 56+/-12 yrs.) previously hospitalised with COVID-19, 94+/-32 days following discharge. Fifteen out of 21 patients were re-assessed three months later (10 following a PR program and 5 who declined PR and recovered at home (UC)). Result(s): 12/21 patients (57%) had reduced MIP and 18/21 patients (86%) reduced MEP (both <80% pred) (Wilson et al., Thorax 1984;39:535-538). Eleven patients (52%) had reduced QF and handgrip strength (both <80% pred). Data from the 3-month follow up period are presented in table 1. Conclusion(s): A number of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 presented with respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness 3 months following discharge. PR programme improved respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in these patients.
ABSTRACT
Background: Patients suffering from long COVID-19 syndrome have reduced emotional status) and impaired functional capacity;the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on emotional status and functional capacity remain inconclusive. Aim(s): To investigate the effect of a hybrid PR program on QoL, emotional status and functional capacity in patients with long COVID-19 syndrome. Method(s): 15 patients (age (mean+/-SD): 55+/-14 yrs.) with excessive fatigue due to COVID-19 syndrome (FACIT score (25+/-11) were allocated to PR (n=10) or usual care (UC) (n=5), 85+/-29 days following hospital discharge. PR consisted of 8 outpatient PR sessions (twice weekly for 4 weeks), and 24 home-based PR sessions (3 times/week for 8 weeks). Patients in the UC declined PR and instructed to be physically active. Psychological status was assessed via HADS and Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Functional capacity was assessed via SPPB, 6MWD, and steps/day. Result(s): Data are presented in table 1. Conclusion(s): PR improves QoL and functional capacity in patients with long COVID-19 syndrome. (Table Presented).
ABSTRACT
Background: Exercise tolerance is limited in patients suffering from long COVID-19 syndrome several months after the acute phase of the disease. The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on exercise tolerance is inconclusive. Aim(s): To investigate the effect of a hybrid PR program, combining outpatient and home-based PR, on exercise capacity in long COVID-19 syndrome. Method(s): 15 patients (age (mean+/-SD): 55+/-14 yrs.) with excessive fatigue due to long COVID-19 syndrome (FACIT score (25+/-11) were allocated to PR (n=10) or usual care (UC) (n=5) groups 85+/-29 days from hospital discharge. PR consisted of 8 outpatient PR sessions (twice weekly for 4 weeks), and 24 home-based PR sessions (3 times/week for 8 weeks). Patients in the UC were instructed to be physically active. Exercise tolerance was assessed during a cardiopulmonary exercise test to the limit of tolerance (Tlim). Result(s): Results are presented in table 1. Conclusion(s): A hybrid programme of PR improves exercise tolerance in patients with long COVID-19 syndrome.