Efficacy of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity, Fatigue and Quality of Life in Patients with Post-Covid-19 Infection- Case Series

Abstract

The aim of this case series was to describe the pulmonary rehabilitation experience of our clinic the treatment of patients with post-Covid-19. Fever, cough, fatigue, anorexi, shortness of breath, myalgia, disability and anxiety occurs in most cases. We report 6 cases of patients with Covid-19 who applied to our clinic from the chest diseases clinic that illustrate the various indications for physical therapy, clinical challenges, potential treatment methods, and short-term response to treatment. Spirometry, 6 min walking test (6MWT), short physical performance battery, The Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Fatigue Scale (FACIT), beck anxiety-depression scale and short form of health‐related quality of life scale (SF‐36) were applied to the patients before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. The pulmonary rehabilitation program in Covid-19patients ranged from patient education, aerobic exercise, mobilization, and respiratory therapy. After pulmonary rehabilitation, patients had improved symptoms of dyspnea, relieved anxiety, reduced complications, minimized disability, improved function, and improved quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation interventions will be required in the post-Covid-19 patients at the appropriate time.

Keywords

• covid-19
• exercise capacity
• pulmonary rehabilitation
• respiratory impairment