Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in post COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v80.118591Keywords:
COVID-19 , rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, respiratory function testing, quality of lifeAbstract
Introduction: Respiratory sequelae continue to be a prevalent problem in post-COVID-19 patients. Greater awareness among healthcare professionals regarding the effectiveness of rehabilitation could enhance its implementation.
Objective: To evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on aerobic capacity, muscle strength, functionality, quality of life, and reduction of dyspnea in post-COVID-19 patients. Methodology: It was developed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO CRD42023368896. A search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Springer), with no language restrictions. Controlled clinical trials and cohort studies were selected, and their methodological quality was assessed using the PEDRO scale and the MINORS scale, respectively. The risk of bias of the controlled clinical trials included in the meta-analysis was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2.0) tool). Results: Twenty-one articles were included in the analysis, with a total of 1,761 patients aged between 39 and 71 years. Fifty-seven percent of the programs were conducted in-hospital, while 43% were offered on an outpatient basis or through telehealth. The duration of the programs varied between 3 and 12 weeks, with a weekly frequency of 3 to 6 sessions, one to two sessions per day, with each session lasting 20 to 50 minutes.
Conclusions: Pulmonary rehabilitation, which includes strength training, endurance training, and aerobic capacity training, showed a positive effect on improving dyspnea, aerobic capacity, muscle strength, lung function, quality of life, and functionality in patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae.
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