COVID-19 and pulmonary rehabilitation

Abstract

The aim of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in coronavirus disease-19 patients is to relieve dyspnea, anxiety, and depression; maximize functional capacity; and improve the quality of life. PR should be planned through careful determination of disease phase, patient-related factors (age, obesity, comorbidities, and complications), exercise timing and intensity, and applicable methods. For training patients, the primary method of choice should be respiration videos, booklets, or remote consultations. In cases of close contact, both the patient and the physiotherapist should take necessary precautions due to the risk of infection.