A Brief Program of Pulmonary Rehabilitation is Effective for Intensive Care Unit Survivor with Post-Covid-19 Infection

Abstract

This case study described a successful pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) for an 18-year old female of intensive care unit (ICU) survivor. This patient had a history of COVID-19 infection and ventilated for 14 days with a total six weeks hospitalization. The patient presented with post COVID-19 syndrome and with sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy on discharged from ICU. Her comorbidity includes epilepsy and newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. She was referred to our outpatient clinic with reported physical limitation and dyspnea. She has marked reduction in grip and ankle strength, reduced exercise tolerance and was wheelchair-bound. She underwent five sessions of PRP which consists of aerobic conditioning, strengthening, balance, stretching and walking exercise. Following the completion of PRP, the patient regained walking ability without foot drop, increased gait speed, had good balance and coordination, better hands grip, and exercise tolerance. PRP plays an important role for optimal recovery of patient with post COVID-19 syndrome.