Clinical outcome of supervised pulmonary telerehabilitation program among adult patients with post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms (PACS): A case series

Abstract

Abstract Patients with post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms (PACS) can present with significant sequela due to the complex systemic effects of COVID‐19 infection. Most affected patients have persistent symptoms for 3–12 months after recovery from the acute phase of COVID‐19. Dyspnea affecting activities of daily living is one of the most challenging symptoms and has led to an influx of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) demand. Here we report the outcome of nine subjects with PACS who underwent 24 sessions of supervised pulmonary telerehabilitation. An improvised telerehabilitation PR was formulated to accommodate home confinement during the pandemic. Exercise capacity and pulmonary function were assessed using a cardiopulmonary exercise test, pulmonary function test, and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The clinical outcome shows improved exercise capacity on the 6‐minute walk test for all patients, and most had improvement in VO2 peak and SGRQ. Seven patients improved in forced vital capacity and six in forced expiratory volume. PR is a comprehensive intervention for patients with chronic obstructive disease aimed at alleviating pulmonary symptoms and improving functional capacity. In this case series, we report its usefulness in patients with PACS and its feasibility when delivered as a supervised telerehabilitation program. Further support for the effectiveness of PR patients with PACS is mandated.

Keywords

• post‐acute COVID‐19 symptoms
• pulmonary rehabilitation
• telerehabilitation