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
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA2261.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021