Abstract

Introduction:  Prolonged stays in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in patients with COVID-19 are associated with severe short-term sequelae, including severe muscle injury, functional impairment, exercise capacity limitations, and poor quality of life. Early pulmonary rehabilitation as an integral component is a non-pharmacological treatment alternative in the management of pulmonary consequences caused by COVID-19.

Purpose:  This study aimed to describe the impact of physical exercise on early recovery in a case of a patient with sequelae from COVID-19.

Methodology:   Case study of a 73-year-old woman with sequelae from COVID-19 who performed physical exercise in the early phase, in a pulmonary rehabilitation program. A pre- and post-intervention analysis was performed comparing variables such as symptoms, functional capacity and quality health-related life.

Results:  After the intervention, it was evident that weight, BMI and abdominal perimeter did not show clinical improvements. Anxiety/depression, dyspnea mMRC and health-related quality of life showed changes; the distance covered in the 6MWT increased by 65 m.

Conclusion:  An improvement in symptoms, functional/ aerobic capacity and health-related quality of life is constatable.

Keywords: rehabilitation; coronavirus; lung diseases; physical functional performance; quality of life