Telerehabilitation Intervention in Transitional Care for People with COVID-19: Pre-Post Study with a Non-Equivalent...

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• SARS-CoV-2 infection sequelae significantly increase respiratory symptoms, impacting daily function, quality of life, and mental health.
• Healthcare systems faced immense pressure during the pandemic, necessitating innovative solutions for patient care and rehabilitation.
• Telerehabilitation offers a viable model for continuous, accessible care, bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a telerehabilitation intervention for individuals with SARS-CoV-2 related impairments during hospital-community transitions.
• To assess the intervention's impact on activities of daily living, respiratory symptoms, fatigue, gait, strength, anxiety, and depression.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post study design with a non-equivalent control group.
• 49 participants were divided into an intervention group (n=24) and a control group (n=25).
• The intervention combined educational strategies with respiratory and motor rehabilitation delivered via telerehabilitation.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements observed in oxygen saturation and reductions in heart rate and perceived effort.
• Participants reported decreased fatigue, reduced depressive and anxiety symptoms, and improved post-COVID functionality.
• Enhanced global functionality and self-care capabilities were noted in the intervention group.

Conclusions:

• Telerehabilitation is an effective strategy for managing long COVID sequelae, improving clinical and functional outcomes.
• The integrated approach of education, respiratory, and motor rehabilitation via telerehabilitation supports patient recovery and self-management.
• This intervention demonstrates significant benefits for individuals experiencing long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection.