Effect on Lung Function by Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Post-Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Aim: to find out effect on lung function by pulmonary rehabilitation on post hospitalized covid -19 patients. Method: This study was designed as experimental, randomized double-blinded study. Participate divided into two groups- the pulmonary rehabilitation group (Group A) and control group (Group B). The inclusion criteria were patient with confirmed case of infection of COVID-19 was defined by RT-PCR assay on nasopharyngeal swab; aged 20 to 55 years; Hospitalized due to severity of covid-19 symptoms, persistent high grade fever>1000 F, breathlessness, increase in dry cough), ≥3 months after any hospital discharge related to COVID-19 infection, regardless of need for critical care or ventilator support., Any persistent sequel of COVID- 19. All participants were explained the study protocol and they were enrolled in protocol after their written consent for this study. Lung function was taken before and after the study protocol. Within group analysis using Wilcoxon signed Rank test. Between group analysis using Mann-Whitney Test. Level of significance was kept at p<0.005. Results: In Group A, mean and SD for FEV1for Pre test was 116.58 ± 25.03 and for post test was104.32±14.60. The P value was<0.001which shows that the intervention was effective. The Mean and SD for FVC for PreTest102.96±22.39and for post test was96.88±19.07. The P value was <0.001 which shows that the intervention was effective. Mean and SD for FEV1/FVC for Pre Test 113.84 ± 11.25 and for post test was 109.40 ± 15.04. The P value was 0.024 which shows that the intervention was effective. Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation is possible and effective therapeutic strategy to improve the lung function and improve quality of life post-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Key words: COVID-19, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Lung function test