Specific Physiotherapy for Persons in the Post-Acute Phase after Moderate-To-Severe COVID-19: An Experimental Multiple-Baseline Single-Case Study

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate whether specific physiotherapy could improve physical endurance and quality of life 2 to 9 months after moderate-to-severe COVID-19.Materials and methods: Experimental multiple-baseline single case design. An outpatient physiotherapy-lead intervention was conducted. Four adults aged 60 to 64 who had been hospitalised between two weeks and two-and-a-half months due to moderate or severe COVID-19 were included. The participants were included in a six-week training group programme consisting of exercises aiming to improve physical endurance. The primary outcome measure was the six-minute walk test.Results and conclusions: The results indicated slight improvements in physical endurance during the training program. For patients who completed the training programme clinically significant changes concerning quality of life were shown at follow up. Specific physiotherapy can be useful in later stages of rehabilitation for patients who have been hospitalised due to COVID-19. Larger studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of the program.