Effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on lung and respiratory muscle function of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a controlled and randomized study

Purpose: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation on lung and respiratory muscle function of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Patients and methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial with 34 patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (> 18 years) who were symptomatic for more than four weeks. The evaluators were blinded. Participants were randomized into two groups: cardiopulmonary rehabilitation group or biweekly lectures (control group) regarding health education. We assessed lung function (forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1], FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), respiratory muscle strength and endurance, diaphragmatic thickening fraction and mobility, and dyspnea (modified Borg scale). Results: The intervention improved FVC, FEV1, and PEF of patients after six weeks of rehabilitation. The rehabilitation group also showed lower dyspnea and respiratory muscle strength and endurance than the control group. Conclusion: The cardiopulmonary rehabilitation protocol improved lung and respiratory muscle function and reduced dyspnea in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.