This study will determine the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on quality of life, body composition and respiratory function in patients with a history of COVID-19.
In December 2019, a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, appeared, causing a wide range of
symptoms, mainly respiratory infection. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO)
declared Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) a pandemic. COVID-19 has spread rapidly over
several months, affecting patients across all age groups and geographic areas. The disease
has a diverse course; patients may range from asymptomatic to those with respiratory failure,
complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on
quality of life, body composition and respiratory function in patients with a history of
COVID-19.
The patients after COVID-19 will be included in the pulmonary rehabilitation protocol. The
duration of rehabilitation will depend on the patient's condition: from 7 to 14 days.
Measurements:
- quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF)
- body composition (bioelectrical impedance analysis, BC-420 MA, Tanita)
- weight, height and BMI
- spirometry (Spirometr PNEUMO, abcMED)
- diffusion lung capacity for carbon monoxide (LUNGTEST 1000)
- morphology (CRP, D-Dimer, WBC) and gasometry (pCO2, pO2)
- chest computed tomography (CT).
These parameters will be recorded before the first day of rehabilitation (baseline), after
completion of rehabilitation protocol, and three months after completion the rehabilitation
protocol. A change in evaluated parameters will be assessed.
This will be a prospective, interventional, non-randomized study. All patients will be
enrolled by Podkarpackie Center for Lung Diseases in Rzeszów.
Procedure: Pulmonary rehabilitation
Pulmonary rehabilitation will include: early mobilization with frequent posture changes and simple exercises in bed taking into account the patient's respiratory tract. Respiratory physiotherapy will also include improving diaphragm function along with training additional respiratory muscles. Active exercises of the upper limbs will be accompanied by gradual muscle strengthening. Aerobic regeneration will be carried out by walking along the hospital corridor, stationary bike and climbing stairs. Body balance therapy in closed systems in front of the mirror will also be included. After kinesiotherapy, the session will end with a vibration massage and relaxation of the whole body. Motivational breathing training will be used every 2 hours, 7 days a week, performed independently by the patient in the ward room. The physiotherapy process will be carried out 6 times a week and lasts 30-45 minutes a day. The duration of rehabilitation depends on the patient's condition: from 7 to 14 days.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Male and female patients treated in Provincial Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Rzeszów/
Podkarpackie Center for Lung Diseases in Rzeszów,
- Patients with a history of COVID-19,
- Having obtained written informed consent (signed and dated) to participate in the
study,
- Age at enrollment ≥ 18 years of age,
- No contraindications to pulmonary rehabilitation,
- No contraindications for body composition testing (bioelectrical impedance analysis).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Refusal to participate in the study,
- Patients with any acute disease in the last 3 months before baseline,
- Patients currently enrolled in any clinical trial,
- Currently infected patients with COVID-19.
University of Rzeszów / Podkarpackie Center for Lung Diseases in Rzeszów
Rzeszów, Poland