Use of the speed achieved on the 6MWT for programming aerobic training in patients recovering from severe COVID-19: an observational study

Abstract

Introduction: Patients who suffered severe COVID-19 need pulmonary rehabilitation. Training may be prescribed objectively based on the maximum speed in the six-minute walk test. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a personalized pulmonary rehabilitation program based on the six-minute walk test speed for post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: Observational quasi-experimental study. The pulmonary rehabilitation program consisted of 8 weeks of training, twice a week for 60 minutes per session of supervised exercise. Additionally, the patients carried out home respiratory training. Patients were evaluated by exercise test, spirometry and the Fatigue Assessment Scale before and after the eight-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. Results: After the pulmonary rehabilitation program, forced vital capacity increased from 2.47 ± 0.60 to 3.06 ± 0.77 L (p