The Effectiveness of Non-Drug Methods in the Rehabilitation of Patients with Severe Covid-19

Abstract

A prospective controlled trial was conducted involving 100 patients in the Russian Federation who were discharged after severe coronavirus pneumonia. The patients were randomly divided into the main group (50 people), who received an 8-week course of non-drug rehabilitation (respiratory gymnastics, physical therapy, physiotherapy, etc.), and the control group (50 people), who received standard outpatient follow-up without specialized rehabilitation. The assessment included a six–minute walking test (6MWT), lung function indicators (forced lung capacity - LVEF) and quality of life (SF-36) before and after the course. Non-drug rehabilitation measures after severe COVID-19 lead to a significant restoration of exercise tolerance, respiratory function, and quality of life compared to standard treatment. The results confirm the expediency of widespread implementation of medical rehabilitation programs for patients who have suffered severe COVID-19.