Late Breaking Abstract - Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on major symptoms of long COVID (post-COVID-19 syndrome): preliminary results

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A high proportion of patients complains from persistent symptoms several months after COVID-19 infection, known as long COVID. The 2 major symptoms are dyspnea and fatigue, found in both ambulatory and hospitalized patients regardless of acute disease severity. Without any intervention, spontaneous total recovery is unlikely1. The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) to relieve the major long COVID symptoms. 15 patients with a documented COVID-19 infection (ambulatory care: n=11, hospitalization: n=4) and persistent symptoms (>28 days) were enrolled. They took part in a PR inpatient program at the Clinic La Solane between Feb.-May 2021. They had endurance and resistance training, dyspnea management, psychological support and counselling. In addition to routine evaluations, dyspnea (D-12) and fatigue (MFI-20) were assessed by questionnaires before (T1) and after (T2) PR. All patients completed the PR (mean duration: 36±13 days) and no adverse effect was reported. Mean delay between first symptoms and PR enrolment was 209±119 days. Main symptoms were dyspnea (n=15), fatigue (n=8), chest pain (n=3) and chronic cough (n=3). After PR, D-12 decreased significantly by 71% (T1:18.5±6.7; T2:6.2±4.2; p<.001) and MFI-20 by 27% (T1:70±11.6; T2:50.7±9.4; p<.001). Exercise tolerance and quality of life also improved (all p<.05). PR seems effective to relieve dyspnea and fatigue in patients with residual COVID-19 symptoms several months after initial infection. In addition, data suggest that PR is safe and feasible. A larger series of patients would be useful to confirm these preliminary findings. 1Lam et al, Arch Intern Med, 2009

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