The Breath project (Project Number: 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000089283) has been Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the entity providing the grant can be held responsible for them.

COVID-19: A New Challenge for Pulmonary Rehabilitation?

Kołodziej M, Wyszyńska J, Bal-Bocheńska M.

Thematic Area
Management, Rehabilitation paths
Summary
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), currently one of the immense burdens for global healthcare, is often characterized by rapid progression and the occurrence of symptoms particularly affecting the respiratory system. Continuous refinement of treatment protocols improves prognosis; however, COVID-19 survivors are often left with the symptomatic burden of dyspnea and fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to continue comprehensive treatment including pulmonary rehabilitation. This study aimed to review the available literature on pulmonary rehabilitation in patients diagnosed with COVID-19. The pulmonary rehabilitation programs implemented various forms, i.e., aerobic exercise, breathing exercises, effective cough exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, and respiratory muscle training. Based on the literature review, it was found that pulmonary rehabilitation programs result in an improvement of respiratory function, reduction of fatigue and dyspnea, and improvement in exercise endurance and quality of life after completing both short-term and long-term programs, but depression and anxiety problems did not improve. Pulmonary rehabilitation combined with psychological therapy is crucial for COVID-19 survivors and plays a substantial role in patients' recovery.
Relevance
Most of the reviewed pulmonary rehabilitation programs had a positive effect on lung function, exercise endurance, and QoL of patients with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19. Nevertheless, the usefulness of these programs in everyday clinical practice requires further investigation with robust study designs and additional follow-ups.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; depression; pulmonary rehabilitation; quality of life; respiratory function.