Effects of physical therapy via telerehabilitation on cardiopulmonary, physical and psychological function in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A randomised controlled trial

ObjectivesTo compare the effects of physical therapy via telerehabilitation on the improvement in cardiopulmonary function, physical factors and psychological factors in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsThirty-two patients with COVID-19 were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Both groups received online guidance and a leaflet on cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Additionally, participants in the intervention group received physical therapy training via video call, which included pulmonary training and various exercises. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, quality of life, functional capacity, cognitive function, lower body strength and endurance and psychological aspects (anxiety, depression and insomnia) were assessed.ResultsThe physical therapy programme delivered via telerehabilitation significantly improved cardiopulmonary function in patients with COVID-19 at the 3-month follow-up compared with the control group. Additionally, the physical therapy programme had beneficial effects on functional capacity, depression symptoms and quality of life.ConclusionA physical therapy programme via telerehabilitation can be delivered to patients with COVID-19 in their own homes to improve cardiopulmonary function after 3 months of follow-up.