Efficacy of a rehabilitation protocol on pulmonary and respiratory muscle function and ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm and quadriceps femoris in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: a series of cases.

This study assessed the efficacy of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on pulmonary and respiratory muscle function and thickness of quadriceps femoris and diaphragm of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. This series of cases followed nine patients who performed PR twice a week for six weeks. Patients received the following PR program: lung expansion therapy; respiratory muscle training; upper limb strength exercises; aerobic exercises on a treadmill.

Distinct phenotypes in COVID-19 may require distinct pulmonary rehabilitation strategies.

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has distinct clinical manifestations that can vary from an asymptomatic condition to severe acute respiratory failure. Phenotypes are attributable to different pathophysiological mechanisms and require different treatment strategies. The assessment and identification of different phenotypes can guide therapy configurations such as oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation, airway management, and tracheal intubation.