The planned research will enable the assessment of rehabilitation's effects using twopulmonary rehabilitation models: conventional and supplemented with an education programfor patients hospitalized due to pneumonia with confirmed COVID-19.
The planned group size is 60 patients diagnosed with pneumonia and confirmed COVID-19.
The given population was calculated based on the sampling calculator, considering the
following parameters: fraction size, confidence level, and maximum error. Eligible
patients will be randomly divided into two groups: a study group (30 patients) undergoing
pulmonary rehabilitation supplemented with an education program, and a control group (30
patients) undergoing conventional pulmonary rehabilitation. Patients of both groups will
be included in a 14-day rehabilitation program (Monday to Saturday). Treatments and
therapies will be continued for a maximum of three hours daily. The program will be
applied individually to each patient and include in-bed assisted exercises, airway
clearance techniques, effective cough exercises, pursed-lips breathing, exercises to
strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles and cardiopulmonary exercises. Patients
from the study group will additionally undergo daily education using an original brochure
containing information about self management during the treatment process, the benefits
of appropriately adapted physical activity, practical tips on airway clearance techniques
or physical exercise. The test will be performed two times: before the start of
rehabilitation and after completing the rehabilitation program. The patients' condition
and the rehabilitation effects will be assessed using the following measures:
- Vital capacity (Voldyne 5000)
- Oxygen saturation (pulse oximeter)
- Acid-base balance (gasometry)
- Fatigue (modified Borg scale)
- Physical performance (Sit-to-Stand Test)
- Dyspnea assessment (MRC dyspnea scale)
- Anxiety and depression (HADS scale)
- Activities of daily living (Barthel scale)
Other: Education program
Patients in a study group will participate in daily education program using an original
brochure containing information about self-management during the treatment process, the
benefits of appropriately adapted physical activity, practical tips on airway clearance
techniques or physical exercise.
Other: Pulmonary rehabilitation
The patients will participate in a 14-day rehabilitation program (Monday to Saturday).
Treatments and therapies will be continued for a maximum of three hours daily. The
program will be applied individually to each patient and include in-bed assisted
exercises, airway clearance techniques, effective cough exercises, pursed-lips breathing,
exercises to strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles and cardiopulmonary
exercises.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Hospitalization due to pneumonia due to COVID-19
- Positive SARS-COV-2 PCR test
- Independence in in-bed sitting position with lower extremities placed on the floor
- Age 40 y.o. to 70 y.o.
- No additional respiratory support (e.a. cardiopulmonary bypass machine, ventilator)
- Informed, voluntary consent to participate in research.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Hospitalization due to pneumonia with negative SARS-COV-2 PCR test
- Unstable medical condition hindering performing the examination
- Age under 40 y.o. and over 70 y.o.
- Cognitive deficits impairing the ability to understand and execute commands
- Concomitant oncological, neurological, orthopedic, and psychiatric diseases may
affect the examined persons' circulatory and respiratory functions, functional
efficiency, quality of life, and emotional state.
- Failure to complete a 14-day rehabilitation program
- Lack of informed, voluntary consent to participate in research
University of Rzeszów
Rzeszów 759734, Poland