The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness following SARS-CoV-2 infection: an interim analysis

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> COVID-19 ICU patients present respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness both during hospitalisation and following discharge. However, few studies have evaluated muscle strength in non-ICU hospitalised patients. <b>Aim:</b> To report the incidence of muscle weakness in non-ICU hospitalised patients and investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength. <b>Methods:</b> Maximum static inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) muscle pressures, quadriceps muscle force (QF), and handgrip strength were assessed in 21 patients (age: 56±12 yrs.) previously hospitalised with COVID-19, 94±32 days following discharge. Fifteen out of 21 patients were re-assessed three months later (10 following a PR program and 5 who declined PR and recovered at home (UC)). <b>Results:</b> 12/21 patients (57%) had reduced MIP and 18/21 patients (86%) reduced MEP (both &lt;80% pred) (Wilson et al., Thorax 1984;39:535-538). Eleven patients (52%) had reduced QF and handgrip strength (both &lt;80% pred). Data from the 3-month follow up period are presented in table 1. <b>Conclusions:</b> A number of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 presented with respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness 3 months following discharge. PR programme improved respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in these patients. <b>Table 1:</b> Asterisks denote within group differences at p&lt;0.05