Effectiveness of Pulmonary rehabilitation in respiratory outcome and health related quality of life in Patients with COVID-19 Pulmonary Sequelae at a Provincial Hospital in Bagmati Province.

Research Report.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: COVID-19 can result in a large variety of chronic health issues such as impaired
lung function, reduced exercise performance and diminished quality of life. This study aims to
evaluate the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation among patients with COVID-19
pulmonary sequelae at a provincial hospital in Bagmati province of Nepal.

Methods: An intervention study was conducted at Methinkot hospital, Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal
from January to June 2022. 80 patients were recruited to a three week comprehensive pulmonary
rehabilitation program with 40 each in intervention and control group. Data entry and analysis
was done in SPSS version 20.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using Chi
square test, independent sample t-test and paired t-test.

Results: Significant difference in mean respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, 1- minute
sit to stand test and 6-minute walking distance test were noted in intervention group with p-value
< 0.05 while no significant difference in these parameters were observed in the control group.
Significant difference in Mobility, Pain/Discomfort dimension of EQ-5D-3L index and mean EQ
VAS score was noted in the intervention group with p-value < 0.05 while no significant
difference was noted in the same dimensions and mean EQ VAS score in the control group.

Conclusion: This study reflects the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in respiratory
outcome and some dimensions of health related quality of life in patients with COVID-19
pulmonary sequelae in Nepalese health care setting. Pulmonary rehabilitation is a feasible, safe
and effective therapeutic option in COVID-19 patients.

Keywords: COVID-19; HRQoL; pulmonary rehabilitation