Additive effects of rehabilitation on natural recovery of functional capacity post COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Aim: To investigate the effects of rehabilitation (Rehab) added to usual care (UC) versus UC on functional capacity outcomes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Method(s) A supervised Rehab program was offered to 55 post COVID patients who were hospitalized with severe/critical COVID-19 pneumonia and a COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score >= 10, post hospital discharge (6-8 weeks). Twenty-eight patients accepted to enroll to Rehab, whereas 27 refused to participate (UC). All patients were evaluated at baseline and after 2 months. Result(s) Groups were not different in mean age (56 years), gender (53% ), ICU admission (65%), intubation (47%), days of hospitalization (31), number of symptoms (9), and number of comorbidities (1.4). The baseline evaluation was conducted at 82+/-30 days after symptoms onset. Both Rehab and UC were associated with improvements in functional capacity;however, these were greater following Rehab (Table 1). Conclusion(s) Rehabilitation amplifies the functional recovery post COVID-19. (Figure Presented).