Effects of physical training on the quality of life of patients with post-COVID-19 condition

Abstract Introduction: Post-COVID-19 condition has a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of the affected individuals. Objective: To describe the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients with post-COVID-19 condition and understand the aspects relevant to their quality of life. Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study, using an interrupted time series design, involving adult men and women with a history of hospitalization due to SARS-CoV-2 and post-COVID-19 condition who were referred for PR between February 2021 and December 2022. Participants were assessed pre- and post-PR for clinical information, quality of life (using the Nottingham Health Profile - NHP), overall peripheral muscle strength (dynamometry), and dyspnea during activities of daily living ADLs) (mMRC scale). Results: Thirty-nine individuals participated in the study, 22 (56.4%) of whom were women, with a mean age of 55.8 (± 9.98) years. The most common persistent symptoms were fatigue (64.1%), dyspnea (59%), memory impairment (30.8%), and pain (28.2%). Of the six NHP domains, five showed significant improvement after the intervention. The median total NHP score decreased from 11 points pre-PR to 6 points post-PR (p < 0.001). Dynamometry and mMRC scores also exhibited statistically significant improvements after PR. Conclusion: Individuals with post-COVID-19 condition experience important impairments in HRQOL, across physical, emotional, social, and sleep-related domains. Pulmonary rehabilitation, through physical training, produced positive effects by improving QOL, increasing overall peripheral muscle strength, and reducing dyspnea during ADLs.