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Benefits of Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Moderate to Severe Forms of COVID-19 Infection

par Douin, Clara;Forton, Kevin ;Lamotte, Michel ;Gillet, Alexis ;Van De Borne, Philippe
Référence Healthcare (Switzerland), 10, 10, page (2044)
Publication Publié, 2022-10

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

Our aim was to evaluate the benefits of cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation on severe to moderate COVID-19 patients. 25 discharged COVID-19 patients underwent a cardio-pulmonary test (CPET), a spirometry test and a measure of carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) at the beginning of their rehabilitation program and after 23 ± 5 rehabilitation sessions. This rehabilitation program combined interval training exercises on a bike and resistance exercises for major muscle groups. We then compared their progress in rehabilitation to that obtained with cardiac patients. At the beginning of their rehabilitation program, COVID-19 patients presented a reduced physical capacity with a maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) at 71% of predicted value, a maximal workload at 70% of predicted value and an exercise hyperventilation measured by a higher VE/VCO2 slope. Exercise was mainly limited by muscle deconditioning. After rehabilitation, the VO2 max and maximal workload increased in COVID 19 patients by 18% and 26%, respectively. In patients with ischemic heart disease the post-rehabilitation gains in VO2 max and maximal workload were 22% and 25%, respectively. Moreover, exercise hyperventilation decreased by 10% in both groups. On the other hand, the intrinsic pulmonary function of COVID 19 patients improved following natural recovery. In conclusion, even if cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation is probably not the only parameter which explains the partial recovery of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients, it certainly helps to improve their physical capacity and reduce exercise hyperventilation.