The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an interim analysis

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;39535-538). 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.