| Title: | The effects of a 6-week virtual COVID19 recovery programme on exercise capacity, fatigue scores and quality of life in individuals recovering from COVID-19. |
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| Author(s): | K. O'Brien, C. Bannan, P. Nadarajan, B. Kent, L. Townsend |
| Institution: | St. James's Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | COVID 19 |
| Abstract: | Post-COVID19 symptoms have been widely reported within the literature. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a 6-week virtual exercise rehabilitation programme in people recovering from COVID-19. Participants referred from a post-COVID-19 multidisciplinary clinic were included if presenting with persistent dyspnoea, reduced exercise capacity and/or reduced physical function. Pre and post programme assessments (6-Minute Walk Distance(6MWD), Chalder Fatigue Score(CFQ-11) and Short-Form 36 Questionnaire(SF-36)) were completed in person. Forty participants were assessed between April and August 2021, and 5 participants have completed post programme assessment. Results demonstrate significant increases in 6MWD distance (n=5) (pre: mean distance 439.2m ± 66; post: mean distance 530m ± 67) as well as reduced dyspnoea scores (mean peak Borg pre: 2.8 ± 1.9; Borg post: 1.4 ± 1.6). There were no adverse effects on fatigue levels (mean CFQ-11 17 ± 4.5 pre; mean CFQ-11 14 ± 6.08 post). SF-36 scores improved (mean 402 ± 174 pre; mean 496.5 ± 184 post) with participants showing improvement in physical functioning, role limitations due to emotional problems and pain domains. These preliminary findings suggest a physiotherapist delivered virtual post-COVID-19 recovery programme can improve exercise capacity, dyspnoea and quality of life without exacerbating fatigue. |
