The role of pulmonary rehabilitation in recovery after COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction. The outbreak of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues to be one of the most serious problems of the mankind. Patients who develop pneumonia as a result of coronavirus infection require rehabilitation measures to restore the functional capacity of the body and to prevent the negative consequences of the disease. For patients with COVID‑19, rehabilitation should be aimed at alleviating symptoms (shortness of breath), improving psychological condition, physical form and quality of life. This can be achieved by improving the organization and methodology of pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19.

Purpose is to justify the use of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COVID-19.

Materials and methods: analysis and systematization of data from modern scientific and methodological literature and Internet sources.

Results. The emergence and spread of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a major public health issue. Post-COVID syndrome has already become a massive phenomenon and part of our lives. Recovery from coronavirus infection is necessary for all, regardless of the severity of the disease. Physical therapy can be used at various stages of treatment for COVID-19 patients. However, the decision to use it, the nature, scope and purpose of the interventions should be based on clinical evidence, the safety of patients and staff. Pulmonary rehabilitation, the main component of which is physical exercise (aerobic and/or resistance training), can play a vital role in the recovery of patients, improving physical fitness, muscle strength and quality of life of those infected with severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome. Moreover, under quarantine conditions, it was important for many patients to have access to home-based rehabilitation, which was provided by tele-rehabilitation facilities using telecommunications technology.

Conclusions. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of recovery from COVID-19. The development of complications and the increase in the number of pulmonological patients who have suffered a severe or moderate coronary infection are updating the issues of adaptation of traditional rehabilitation programs to new conditions.

Introduction. The outbreak of coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues to be one of the most serious problems of the mankind. Patients who develop pneumonia as a result of coronavirus infection require rehabilitation measures to restore the functional capacity of the body and to prevent the negative consequences of the disease. For patients with COVID‑19, rehabilitation should be aimed at alleviating symptoms (shortness of breath), improving psychological condition, physical form and quality of life. This can be achieved by improving the organization and methodology of pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19.

Purpose is to justify the use of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COVID-19.

Materials and methods: analysis and systematization of data from modern scientific and methodological literature and Internet sources.

Results. The emergence and spread of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a major public health issue. Post-COVID syndrome has already become a massive phenomenon and part of our lives. Recovery from coronavirus infection is necessary for all, regardless of the severity of the disease. Physical therapy can be used at various stages of treatment for COVID-19 patients. However, the decision to use it, the nature, scope and purpose of the interventions should be based on clinical evidence, the safety of patients and staff. Pulmonary rehabilitation, the main component of which is physical exercise (aerobic and/or resistance training), can play a vital role in the recovery of patients, improving physical fitness, muscle strength and quality of life of those infected with severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome. Moreover, under quarantine conditions, it was important for many patients to have access to home-based rehabilitation, which was provided by tele-rehabilitation facilities using telecommunications technology.

Conclusions. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of recovery from COVID-19. The development of complications and the increase in the number of pulmonological patients who have suffered a severe or moderate coronary infection are updating the issues of adaptation of traditional rehabilitation programs to new conditions.