Recovery of skeletal muscle strength and physical function in a patient with (post) COVID-19 requiring extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background: The ongoing coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) has taught us that early mobilization is essential for functional recovery during and after prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay. This especially applies for patients receiving a challenging combination of prolonged invasive treatments such as mechanical ventilation (MV) and extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This case report describes the recovery of skeletal muscle strength and physical function in a patient (post) COVID-19 during ICU stay.

Case Description: A 54 year old female patient was diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia, and ultimately needed ICU treatment with MV and ECMO for 69 days during which she received physiotherapy treatment.

Outcomes: The patient recovered from intensive care acquired muscle weakness (ICUAW) at day 53, resulting in the ability to walk at day 62. She was discharged from the ICU after 69 days with the ability to walk 20 meters with support of one person and a mobility aid. No evident adverse events were noted during or after physiotherapy sessions.

Discussion: Early mobilization is feasible and safe in a patient (post) COVID-19 with prolonged ECMO treatment and facilitates functional recovery during ICU stay. This single case observation should be handled with caution and needs further validation.