Effects of respiratory telerehabilitation on quality of life in patients with post COVID-19 condition: meta-analysis

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Patients with post COVID-19 condition continue to have long-lasting symptoms three months after the acute phase of COVID-19. These symptoms are primarily respiratory symptoms that can reduce the quality of life of patients. To date, it is unknown whether respiratory telerehabilitation interventions can benefit this population. <bold>Objetive:</bold> The main objective was to examine the impact of respiratory telerehabilitation interventions in post COVID-19 condition patients. <bold>Methods:</bold> We performed a literature search using Pubmed, Scopus, and PEDro (last search December 2023). We included controlled trials testing the effect of respiratory telerehabilitation interventions in post COVID-19 patients versus no intervention, control, or placebo intervention. <bold>Results:</bold> We selected 10 studies, which included 866 patients with post COVID-19 condition. 7 articles presented a measure of quality of life and a meta-analysis was conducted. The pooled standard mean difference showed significant overall effects of quality of life compared with no intervention, control groups or placebo intervention (standard mean difference = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.09; 109; p = 0.02). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> This meta-analysis suggests the positive effect of respiratory telerehabilitation interventions on improving the quality of life of patients with post-COVID-19 condition.