Breathe Better After COVID: The Impact of a Two-Week Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program on Pulmonary Function,...

Background: Post-COVID syndrome is characterized by persistent symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance, which can significantly impair pulmonary function and quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been proposed as a potential intervention to address these challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on pulmonary function, inflammatory markers, and quality of life in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Methods: A prospective, interventional, non-randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 77 participants (mean age 59.4 ± 11.6 years; 39% female) who attended a post-COVID care clinic in Rzeszów, Poland. The intervention included supervised respiratory and aerobic exercises, muscle strengthening, and body balance therapy, alongside motivational breathing therapy. Pulmonary function (spirometry, plethysmography, gasometry), inflammatory markers (CRP, WBC, D-dimer), and quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Results: Significant improvements were observed in pulmonary function parameters post-rehabilitation, including increases in forced vital capacity (FVC, 75% to 78.4%, p < 0.001), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, 78.2% to 80.5%, p < 0.001), and total lung capacity (TLC, 67.3% to 71%, p < 0.001). The diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) improved by 6.2% (p < 0.001). Arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂) increased by 7.6 mmHg (p < 0.001). Markers of inflammation, including CRP (8.9 to 1.3 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and d-dimer (1722.2 to 203.4 ng/mL, p < 0.001), showed significant reductions. Quality of life improved across physical, psychological, and environmental domains. Sex, BMI, and baseline inflammatory markers were significant determinants of rehabilitation outcomes. Conclusions: A pulmonary rehabilitation program significantly improved pulmonary function, reduced systemic inflammation, and enhanced quality of life in individuals with post-COVID syndrome. The findings highlight the importance of tailored rehabilitation in mitigating long-term post-COVID sequelae. Future research should explore the long-term effects of rehabilitation and its applicability in diverse populations.