Acute Rehabilitation in a Lung Transplant Recipient Infected with Covid-19: Case Report

Abstract We report a case of a 68-year-old female with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who underwent bilateral lung transplantation with concurrent Covid-19 infection. Physical and Occupational therapy were initiated immediately following transplantation. Physical therapy interventions included bed mobility, functional transfers, ambulation, balance training, aerobic and breathing exercises. Occupational therapy interventions worked on cognitive and grooming tasks, total body dressing, anxiety reduction and energy conservation. Despite the presence of respiratory and physical impairments, the patient achieved significant improvements in functional mobility and ADLs. The patient improved her activity tolerance and was discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Rehabilitation management of lung transplant recipients with Covid-19 has not been studied and therefore it is crucial to investigate the effects of early evaluation and treatment of impairments exhibited by these patients, as they will likely require acute and long-term rehabilitation. Further research is needed to provide clinical practice guidelines for lung transplant recipients with Covid-19.