Pulmonary and Physical Rehabilitation in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Sequelae
Keywords:
COVID, Respiratory physiotherapy, physical rehabilitation, SARS-CoV-2Abstract
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic has left persistent sequelae such as fatigue and dyspnea that affect quality of life, and for which pulmonary and physical rehabilitation are key to improving function and autonomy. The review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of pulmonary and physical rehabilitation, as well as to offer evidence-based recommendations to optimize the management of post-COVID-19 patients. The study methodology was based on a systematic review conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies were identified and analyzed in PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases, applying inclusion/exclusion criteria and assessing methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias and GRADE tools. Fifty-one studies were ultimately included for analysis out of the total records located, leading to the conclusion that these rehabilitation programs, particularly those tailored to incorporate respiratory and aerobic exercises, are effective in significantly improving patients' quality of life and functionality by reducing dyspnea and increasing physical capacity, and are therefore key to their full recovery.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Cristihian Gabriel Marín-Ortega
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