Ergometry and Thoracic Ultrasound to Evaluate a Training Program in Post-Severe Pneumonia Due to SARS-COV-2

Sars-CoV-2 infection has led to severe pneumonia in some patients, requiring hospitalization and the need for non-invasive respiratory therapies facing notable decline in exercise capacity, muscle strength, and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the capacity of ergometry and thoracic ultrasound to measure the efficacy of a training program in adult patients at 3 months post-discharge following severe pneumonia due to Sars-CoV-2. <bold>Methods:</bold> 19 patients (age 62±15; 63% males) with decreased functional capacity post-discharge were studied. The program involved three sessions weekly (for 12 weeks), incorporating both interval global and analytical strength training. Analysed variables included exercise capacity and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) (via ergometry), diaphragmatic excursion (via ultrasound), lung capacity and maximum respiratory pressures (via functional respiratory test) and walked meters (via the 6-minute walk test). Pre- and post-training values were compared. <bold>Results:</bold> All 19 patients attended at least 75% of sessions. Post-training, significant improvements were observed in exercise capacity (mean (SD); 86 (44) vs 114 (51) watts; p<0.001), VO2max (1.17 (0.38) vs 1.44 (0.51) l/min; p<0.001), and lung function (FVC 3.24 (1.01) vs 3.62 (1.09) L; p=0.006; FEV1 2.58 (0.80) vs 2.91 (0.81) L; p=0.005). A non-statistically significant improvement was also observed in diaphragmatic excursion, respiratory pressures, and walked meters. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> Ergometry and thoracic ultrasound are effective tests to assess the efficacy of a training program in adult patients recovering from severe pneumonia caused by to Sars-CoV-2.