This study seeks to assess the impact of physical and pulmonary rehabilitation on patients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in the short and long term in hopes of establishing a best practices protocol for treatment of future patients with this disease.
The novel coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China in late 2019 made an appearance in the United States in January 2020. It is a respiratory disease spreading rapidly from person to person. Recent data shows that fibrosis is seen on the lungs, and possible myocardial damage. Data shows that physical therapy was not highly utilized in recovery for these patients due to high PPE demands, and increased risk of exposure. This study will be using telehealth services to assess and treat these patients so Physical Therapy guidance is provided for movement and returning to prior level of function. Currently there is no data showing the long term effects of the those who were able to utilize Physical Therapy in recovering from COVID-19 This study will be looking at the differences in outcomes of COVID-19 positive subjects who able to complete Physical Therapy Telehealth visits versus those who did not. All groups will be tested at multiple data points for lung capacity, upper and lower extremity strength, and overall endurance to determine the long term functional effects. The control group were diagnosed with COVID-19 and recovered before the Physical and Pulmonary protocol was implemented.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
26
Patients receive 2-4 visits (based on patient presentation and need) of physical therapy, up to 4 visits of occupational therapy, up to 4 visits of speech therapy based on need. Treatment focuses on physical strengthening, pulmonary strengthening/breathing exercises, and cognitive rehabilitation.
Missouri Orthopedic Institute
Columbia, Missouri, United States
Change in 6 Minute Walk Test
Validated test demonstrating functional gait capacity and endurance; measuring change in capacity over time in 6 month increments.
Time frame: From 6 to 24 months post diagnosis
Change in Short Form 35 (SF-36) Questionnaire
Validated questionnaire assessing function and quality of life for patients with pulmonary function issues
Time frame: From 6 to 24 months post diagnosis
Change in Strength testing
Use of grip dynamometer and isokinematic lower extremity testing to determine muscle capacity
Time frame: From 6 to 24 months post diagnosis
Change in Peak Flow Meter Test
Measures lung output capacity
Time frame: From 6 to 24 months post diagnosis
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