EFFECTS OF PULMONARY REHABILITATION IN SUBTERRANEAN SALT CHAMBERS ON FUNCTIONAL STATUS, CHEST MOBILITY, AND ENDURANCE OF PATIENTS WITH POST-COVID SYNDROM

Abstract

Aim: The main objective of this retrospective study was to determine the effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme conducted in underground salt chambers on functional status, chest mobility, and endurance of patients with post-COVID syndrome. In addition, we attempted to determine whether the symptoms reported by specific patients depended on the period in which they suffered from COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Based on the analysis of the ’Wieliczka’ Salt Mine Health Resort patients’ medical records, the effects of post-COVID rehabilitation programme, in effect from June 19th, 2021 till October 28th, 2022, i.e. during 19 consecutive 3-week treatment stays, were assessed. The programme involved 699 patients, of whom 591 completed the entire programme. For each patient, the Post-COVID Functional Status questionnaire was completed, chest mobility was measured using a tape measure, and endurance was evaluated using the 2-Minute Step Test. Results: The most common symptoms reported in the Post-COVID Functional Status questionnaire were: chronic fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and dyspnoea on exertion. The mean chest mobility significantly increased from 4.07 ± 2.17 cm before to 5.95 ± 4.99 cm (p < 0.001) after completion of the programme. In a definite majority of patients (n = 467, i.e. 79%), an improvement of the result of 2-Minute Step Test was observed, usually accompanied by increased fatigue with concomitant reduction of dyspnoea on exertion. The period in which patients suffered from the infection had no effect on reporting of specific symptoms. Conclusions: Subterraneotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation improves functional status, chest mobility, and endurance in patients with post-COVID syndrome.