Recovering of oxygenation, physical function and disability in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

The present cases report describes middle-time course of respiratory and physical variables in eight COVID-19 patients who were transferred from ICU of COVID Hub in our subacute COVID-19 unit. Secondly, they were admitted in a pulmonary rehabilitation unit and, at discharge, a tele-rehabilitation program was provided as a continuum of care at home. Time course of oxygenation, physical function and disability were recorded. As expected, the acute event produced in these patients a dramatic worsening in oxygenation and physical activities, with a substantial improvement in oxygenation and mild disability after the sub-acute stay. After rehabilitation program, the patients showed additional improvement in particular in physical function. Anyway, this recover was not complete for all patients. The majority of COVID-19 survivors experienced ARF recovered oxygenation, physical function and disability within a median time of 137 days. A minority needs further follow up and rehabilitation maintenance due to incomplete recovery.

Keywords

• disability
• coronavirus
• rehabilitation
• outcome
• physical function