A Feasibility Study of an Outpatient Pulmonary Exercise Training Program (Opetp) For Post Covid-19 Patients Post-COVID Exercise Training
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Covid-19, exercise program, feasibility, physiotherapy, rehabilitation
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) can cause persistent respiratory, physical, psychological, and multi-system impairments, including breathlessness, fatigue, reduced functional capacity, and poorer quality of life. Exercise training in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is vital to prevent further deconditioning after hospital discharge. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a ten-week Outpatient Pulmonary Exercise Training Program (OPETP) for post-COVID-19 patients and evaluate its effects on breathlessness, exercise capacity, functional status, dyspnoea, quality of life, and functional sequelae.
Method: Post-COVID-19 patients referred to OPETP underwent a 10-week program with weekly supervised and home-based aerobic/resistance training. Feasibility was measured by uptake, adherence, tolerability, and safety. Effects were assessed via 6MWT, mMRC, SF-CRQ, and PCFS scores for exercise capacity, dyspnoea, quality of life, and functional sequelae.
Results: Of 118 post-COVID-19 patients referred, 72 (61%) were lost to follow-up and 46 (39%) consented (mean age 55 ± 16 years; 57% male; 59% severe/critical cases). Thirty-two (27%) completed the OPETP. Adherence (≥7 sessions) was achieved by 28– 41% depending on duration; 66% tolerated training. Significant gains included increased 6MWD (369 ± 114 m to 439 ± 122 m), improved dyspnoea (mMRC: –0.8 ± 0.7; p < 0.001), better quality of life (SF-CRQ: 75%), and enhanced functional status (PCFS: 66%).
Discussion: Limited pre-referral education reduced PR uptake (61% non-attendance), yet enrolled patients improved 6MWD and quality of life, underscoring benefits of flexible, patient-centred post-COVID rehabilitation.
Conclusion: OPETP is feasible, safe, and may improve breathlessness, fatigue, function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in symptomatic post-COVID-19 patients.
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