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Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation approaches in patients with post COVID syndrome: a pilot study.
- Source :
-
BMC pulmonary medicine [BMC Pulm Med] 2024 Mar 18; Vol. 24 (1), pp. 139. Date of Electronic Publication: 2024 Mar 18. - Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Background: The characteristics of optimal virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for individuals with post-COVID syndrome (PCS) have not been identified. This study aimed to assess the feasibility, safety, and satisfaction associated with a virtual PR program with the exercise component delivered through group or self-directed sessions.<br />Methods: Adults with PCS-respiratory symptoms were randomly assigned to the video conference (PR <subscript>VC</subscript> ) or self-directed (PR <subscript>SD</subscript> ) group and completed an exercise program (aerobic, strengthening, and breathing exercises) three times/week for eight weeks. PR <subscript>VC</subscript> sessions were led by a physiotherapist via Zoom, whereas the PR <subscript>SD</subscript> group exercised individually following a pre-recorded video. Both groups received personalized exercise recommendations, education related to the condition, and a weekly follow up call. Satisfaction was assessed through a patient survey. Lung function, dyspnea, fatigue, sit-to-stand capacity, health-related quality of life, and participation were assessed pre- and post-PR.<br />Results: Fourteen PCS individuals (49 ± 9 years, 86% females) completed 83% of the sessions. All participants were satisfied with information provided by the therapist and frequency of data submission, whereas most were satisfied with the frequency and duration of exercise sessions (88% in PR <subscript>VC</subscript> and 83% in PR <subscript>SD</subscript> ). A higher proportion of participants in the PR <subscript>VC</subscript> (88%) were satisfied with the level of difficulty of exercises compared with the PR <subscript>SD</subscript> (67%), and 84% of the sample reported a positive impact of the program on their health. No adverse events were reported. Significant changes in sit-to-stand capacity (p = 0.012, Cohen's r = 0.67) and questions related to fatigue (p = 0.027, Cohen's r = 0.58), neurocognitive (p = 0.045, Cohen's r = 0.53), and autonomic (p = 0.024, Cohen's r = 0.60) domains of the DePaul Symptom Questionnaire short-form were also found between groups.<br />Conclusion: Virtual PR with exercises delivered via video conference or pre-recorded video were feasible, safe, and well-received by individuals with PCS.<br />Trial Registration: NCT05003271 (first posted: 12/08/2021).<br /> (© 2024. The Author(s).)
- Subjects :
- Adult
Female
Humans
Male
Pilot Projects
Lung
Fatigue
Quality of Life
COVID-19
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1471-2466
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- BMC pulmonary medicine
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 38500051
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-024-02965-3