Delivering an 8-week in-home telerehabilitation exercise program in patients with COVID-19 during the first pandemic in Greece

Abstract

Aim: To deliver a 2-month in-home telerehabilitation exercise program (TR) in patients infected with SARS-cov-2 in order to improve physical capacity after hospital discharge

Method: We used a smartphone app (Viber) to establish a two-way communication between physiotherapists and home-quarantined patients at 4-6 weeks following hospital discharge. A specific to COVID-19 e-book with breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, aerobic exercise, total body strengthening exercises and dietician instructions was given and was taught to the patients during 4 one-hour sessions. Afterwards, patients continued a 2-month in-home exercise program consisted of daily self-practice of prescribed exercise and 3 one-hour supervised exercise TR sessions per month. Before and after TR, they were assessed via teleconference using the 3 min step test (3MST), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the 60sec Sit to Stand test (60STS)

Results: Among 35 clinically stable individuals with fatigue symptoms who referred for TR, only 14 (40%) (age 51±13 years, BMI 29±2Kg/m2) concluded the 2-month period. No adverse effects were reported during exercise sessions. From baseline, 60STS score improved significantly (22±4 vs 31±7; p=.002), SPBB score showed trends of positive change (9.1±1.4 vs 9.9±1.7; p>0.05), whereas heart rate, systolic, diastolic pressure and Borg fatigue before and after 3MST were unchanged between the 2-month period

Conclusion: A short number of TR sessions, for home-quarantined patients with COVID-19 after hospitalization, can improve leg muscle capacity. Adding data from more participants is necessary to demonstrate feasibility of TR in COVID-19 patients