Evolution of functional and cardiopulmonary capacity in hospitalized COVID-19 who underwent in-hospital rehabilitation in Honduras

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease that affects functional capacity, requiring rehabilitation. Objective: To describe the evolution of cardiopulmonary function, self-care activities and initial and final mobility after in-hospital rehabilitation program, Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social (IHSS), San Pedro Sula, June-November 2020. Methods: Retrospective study. Patient records with COVID-19 pneumonia were reviewed, recording parameters of cardiopulmonary function, limitations in self-care, and mobility assessed according to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF). Statistical analysis using STATA14.0 software with measures of central tendency/dispersion according to normality, evolution by paired t-test, Wilcoxon or Mc- Nemar, p<0.05 was significant. Institutional approval was obtained. Results: 63 patients were evaluated, aged 50±15.1 years, 76.2% men, all from the northwestern area, 81.0% with comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (52.4%), diabetes mellitus and obesity (41.3% respectively), all required oxygen. After receiving rehabilitation program there was improvement in parameters of heart rate, oxygen saturation, Borg scale and oxygen requirement (p<0.01), 65% left without oxygen, also improved all self-care and mobility activities evaluated, as well as ICF score (p<0.01): at the beginning 95.2% tolerated between decubitus to bedside sitting without tolerating standing, at the end 90.5% left in standing or walking level (p<0.01). Discussion: Rehabilitation in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 improved cardiorespiratory constants, evidencing exercise-induced adaptation and thus improved functional capacity. In-hospital rehabilitation is safe and includes effective strategies in the management of acute diseases such as SARS-CoV-2.