Changes in lung function and dyspnea perception in Colombian Covid-19 patients after a 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program.

BACKGROUND: Although moderate and severe COVID-19 patients have shown obstructive and restrictive disorders in pulmonary function after recovery from the disease, studies evaluating the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs that seek to improve lung function are scarce. AIM: Herein, we evaluate changes in lung function and perceived dyspnea in Covid-19 patients after undergoing 12 weeks of a PR program. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study SETTING: Cesar, Colombia Neumocesar Pneumological Center. POPULATION: 100 outpatients with a history of Covid-19 METHODS: We evaluated respiratory function using spirometry parameters, as well as the mMRC dyspnea scale for perceived dyspnea in 100 patients with a history of Covid-19. We used univariate and multivariate statistical approaches to assess changes in lung function and perceived dyspnea before and after a PR program to determine whether gender, age, height, weight, comorbidities, and oxygen delivery system affect the recovery of lung function and perceived dyspnea. RESULTS: We found that PR treatment has positive effects on respiratory pathologies caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection regardless of patient gender, indicating that rehabilitation provided benefits regardless of the physical characteristics of the patients. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses indicated that FVC, FEV1, FEF 25-75, and mMRC are robust diagnostic indicators of lung function recovery and perceived dyspnea. Both invasive and non-invasive positive pressure ventilatory support had deleterious effects on lung function prolongating patient recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation programs can benefit patients facing respiratory pathologies caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additional research on the long-term effects of the sequelae of Covid-19 is needed. A large sample of patients is needed to clarify the effects of therapy on respiratory function. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: PR programs have positive effects on patients facing respiratory pathologies caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection.