Educational, Exercise, and Occupational Therapy-Based Telerehabilitation Program Versus “Wait-and-See” for Improving Self-perceived Exertion in Patients With Post-COVID Fatigue and Dyspnea

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation exercise program versus “wait-and-see” on physical exertion, quality of life, dyspnea severity, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in patients with post-COVID fatigue and dyspnea. Design Sixty-four patients were enrolled in this randomized clinical trial. A telerehabilitation program based on patient education, physical activity, airway clearing, and breathing exercise interventions was conducted. Self-perceived physical exertion during daily living activities, dyspnea severity, health-related quality of life and physiological outcomes, and the 6-min walking test were assessed at baseline, after the program and at 1- and 3-mo follow-up periods. Results The experimental group experienced greater improvements in self-perceived physical exertion during daily living activities, dyspnea severity, health-related quality of life, and 6-min walking test (all, P < 0.001). In addition, patients undergoing the telerehabilitation program reported lower exertion scores at rest and after the 6-min walking test (both, P < 0.001). Between-group oxygen saturation differences were found at rest (P < 0.001), but not after the 6-min walking test (P = 0.024). Finally, significant between-group differences were found for heart rate after the 6-min walking test (P < 0.001). Conclusions Although both groups showed a significant improvement after 3 mos of follow-up, the group receiving the telerehabilitation program described a greater improvement compared with the group receiving no intervention.