Early experiences of rehabilitation for individuals post-COVID

Research published in Chronic Respiratory Disease has highlighted the benefits of physical activity in decreasing fatigue and breathlessness and increasing exercise capacity and cognition post-Covid.

Overhead view of a group dance exercise class in a community centre

Following a six week rehabilitation programme, with two sessions a week, combining walking, strength training and educational discussions there were noticeable improvements in exercise capacity and symptoms of breathlessness, fatigue and cognition.

The programme was highly successful with no participants dropping out due to worsening symptoms and significant improvements in fatigue, cognition and respiratory symptoms. Previously, there had been concerns that rehabilitation may worsen or trigger symptoms of post-viral fatigue whilst exercise might exacerbate fatigue.

Ultimately rehabilitation programmes should adopt a holistic, multi-faceted approach to managing post-Covid symptoms.

Published June 2021