The effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation exercise program on patients after COVID-19: A report of three cases

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation exercise program on post-COVID-19 patients. Three patients (two women and one man) with different severities, from moderate to severe, were selected. Blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen, and body function were measured at the beginning and end of the exercises, which included 12 sessions of arm and leg cycle ergometer and treadmill with adjustable resistance levels. Patients’ functionality was assessed using the Barthel index, and their quality of life was assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. Regarding the first patient, oxygen saturation increased from 85 to 95, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) result increased from 0 to 420 meters, and the Barthel index increased from 35 to 85. For the second patient, arterial oxygen saturation increased from 82 to 92, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) result increased from 0 to 390 meters, and the Barthel index increased from 30 to 90. For the third patient, arterial oxygen saturation increased from 87 to 96, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) result increased from 320 to 510 meters, and the Barthel index increased from 60 to 85. All the patients showed improvements in their physical functions, such as walking, personal affairs, and quality of life. This functional improvement was higher in more severe levels of the disease. Based on the results, it seems that pulmonary rehabilitation exercises for post-COVID-19 patients can contribute to the improvement of their status, arterial oxygen level, quality of life, and pulmonary functionality.