The Effect of Post-ICU Physiotherapy on Respiratory and Physical Functioning Status in Patients with COVID-19: A Pilot Study

Background and Objectives: According to recent physiotherapy recommendations (WHO, WCPT, 2020) for patients with COVID-19, after discharge from an ICU, they are expected experience respiratory, physical, cognitive, psychological problems due the duration nature of immobilization sedation, ventilation duration, underlying morbidity. Moreover, only a limitation in physical capacity and/or activity have indication physiotherapy. However, little is known about effect treatment on functional COVID-19. Purpose: The aim present study was provide information effectiveness intervention respiratory status since there will be great demand these people soon. Materials Methods: Ethics Committee AHEPA University Hospital, School Medicine, Health Sciences Faculty, Aristotle Thessaloniki, Greece granted approval this study. This pilot clinical conducted March June 2020. sample consisted 11 discharged ICU hospitalized COVID-19 clinic Hospital. All participants had physiotherapy, according recommendations, medical referral as well. their hospitalization ranged two six weeks. Among participants, were seven males four females, aged 44–75 yrs, five smokers nonsmokers, obese nonobese. tailored patients’ needs goals. Breathing exercises, early mobilization, self-management daily living performed once day, days week, tolerated. Measurement tools: Pulse oximeter (SpO2), rate (RR), Borg scale (intensity dyspnea), Medical Research Council disability (MRCd), evaluation dysfunctional breathing (DB), muscle strength (MRCms), Berg balance scale, Sit Stand test (leg endurance), Time Up Go (TUG) (general mobility), 1 min walk (1MWT) (aerobic capacity), Barthel Index (BI) (performance activities). For purposes study, measurements conducted: at admission clinic. Results: Dependent tests showed significant (p < 0.001) recommended variables: 6.9 (1.4)% SpO2, 3.4 (0.9) breaths rate, 5.0 (1.3) score. Significant improvements additionally noted functioning: 25.3 (13.0) 18.5 (11.2) MRCms score, 3 s test, 40.4 (40.6) TUG efforts, 44.1 (25.5) 1MWT, 65.9 (20.2) BI. displayed DB clinic, while nine them adopted diaphragmatic pattern discharge. At all level whereas 10 out improved (three four, three, three two). Conclusions: provided first evidence WHO WCPT functioning Further studies needed support findings.