FUNCTIONALITY BEFORE AND AFTER PHYSIOTHERAPY IN POST-COVID-19 PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a disease that since its emergence in 2019 has represented a challenge for healthcare services. The sequelae result from impaired quality of life, fatigue, dyspnea and joint pain. Objective. To compare physical, respiratory, cognitive and functional independence functional parameters in post-COVID-19 patients with respiratory sequelae before and after a respiratory physical and occupational therapy program. Methods: A comparative, quasi-experimental, prospective study was conducted in outpatients discharged from hospitalization for COVID-19 in a 3rd level of care Hospital of the Mexican Institute of Social Security in Puebla, Mexico during 2020-2021. Scales were applied before and after the rehabilitation program. Analytical statistics were used. Results. We included 116 patients, 57.7% men, mean age 47.32 years (min. 20, max. 79); 77 (66.3%) patients presented moderate symptoms in hospitalization. A significant p-value was obtained (p <0.001). Conclusion: Significant improvement is observed in post-COVID-19 patients after receiving respiratory physical and occupational therapy.