Effects of Six Weeks of Supervised Telerehabilitation on Pulmonary Function, Functional Capacity, and Dyspnoea among individuals with Long COVID

Abstract

BackgroundLong COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms post-COVID-19, presents challenges like reduced functional capacity, pulmonary function, and dyspnea. Telerehabilitation, a remote healthcare approach, is gaining attention for its potential to address these issuesObjectivesThe study aims to determine the effect of telerehabilitation on functional capacity by six-minute walk test (MWT), pulmonary function by pulmonary function test (PFT), dyspnea by modified medical research council (mMRC) and level of physical activity by Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) in individuals with long COVID.Materials and MethodsAt Al Ain Hospital, UAE, a 6-week telerehabilitation program for Long COVID patients aged 18-75 was studied using single-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Pre and post assessments included 6MWT, PFT, mMRC, and GPAQ. The study also monitored technical issues and session adherence.ResultsParticipants had an average age of 49.30 ± 15.46, height of 163.80 ± 9.76, and weight of 78.70 ± 15.58, with a gender ratio of 12 females to 8 males. After six weeks of telerehabilitation, significant improvements were seen in the 6MWT (21% improvement) and PFT (4% FVC increase, 8% FEV1 increase, 1% FEV1/FVC increase, and 11% PEF increase). mMRC scale scores post-rehabilitation were significantly lower, indicating substantial improvement in dyspnea levels with clinical significance.ConclusionThis approach has shown tangible benefits in enhancing functional capacity, pulmonary function, reducing dyspnea, and improving physical activity levels among individuals with Long COVID. The results of the study demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing a telerehabilitation program for individuals with Long