Study of the effectiveness of telemedicine-based pulmonary rehabilitation in recovered patients of COVID-19 pneumonitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the telemedicine-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme in COVID-19 pneumonitis. Design: Prospective intervention study. Setting: Rehabilitation outpatient department, Tertiary-Care institute. Participants: Consecutive sample of patients (N = 50) in recovered COVID-19 infection. Intervention: Six weeks of telemedicine-based pulmonary rehabilitation in recovered patients of COVID-19 infection. Outcome Measures: All patients were clinically assessed by six minutes walk test (6MWT), Modified Medical Research Council Scale (mMRC), 30s-STS and SF 36 at zero week and six weeks post-intervention. Statistical Analysis: Difference in means of pre- and post-intervention was compared using paired t-test. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The 6MWT, mMRC Scale, 30 seconds sit-to-stand test, and WHO QoL scale-SF 36 were assessed and post-rehabilitation sessions, all the patients’ showed improvement in the prescribed parameters. After six weeks of respiratory rehabilitation, the distance covered in the 6MWT was significantly longer than that of before the intervention. There was a significant difference between zero and six weeks during the PR intervention. mMRC and 30s-STS results showed a significant difference between zero and six weeks (2.36 ± 0.598, 4.54 ± 1.94. Quality of life improved significantly after six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation in eight domains of the SF-36. Conclusion: Six-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme delivered through telemedicine platform improves respiratory function, QoL and anxiety in patients with post-COVID-19 pneumonia during a recovery phase.