Impact of outpatient rehabilitation programme on physical fitness for patients post covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: Since the emergence of COVID-19 in the UK, it is evident many within this patient group require rehabilitation. The format and effectiveness of exercise for patients that have had COVID-19 remains unclear. As an MDT, we developed a model whereby patients were screened, assessed, and where appropriate, enrolled on a twice weekly programme based on the principles of pulmonary rehabilitation. The one minute sit to stand test (1MSTS) was used as an outcome measure and has been shown to be sensitive to change in PR (Vaidja, 2016). We aimed to determine the effect of this programme on physical fitness using the 1MSTS.

Methodology:All patients attending the post COVID-19 rehabilitation service perform a 1MSTS pre and post rehabilitation. We present our data on the differences.

Results: Between July 2020 and February 2021 74 Patients completed post COVID-19 rehabilitation (27 male, mean age (SD) = 56 (12). Table 1 shows the difference in 1MSTS scores pre and post rehab programme.

Conclusion: When providing a programme based on the principles of pulmonary rehab for patients post COVID-19, there is a highly significant improvement in physical fitness as assessed by the 1MSTS.

Reference: Vaidja T et al Is the 1-minute sit-to-stand test a good tool for the evaluation of the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation? Determination of the minimally clinically important difference in COPD International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 2016; 11: 2609-2616