Kentaro Akimoto, RPT, CPP, Shinjiro Asano, Ns, Yoshifumi Satoh, RPT, Kazutoshi Yokogushi, MD, PhD
Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 14: 10-15, 2023
Purpose: This study clarified the changes in respiratory
condition, and physical and mental functions pertaining
to them, of patients with the coronavirus disease 2019
("COVID-19") who were admitted to our convalescent
rehabilitation ward. It also examined the conditions
remaining after the disease (long-COVID).
Methods: We focused on 16 moderate and severe
patients with COVID-19 who were transferred to our
convalescent rehabilitation ward and discharged home
between March and September 2021. We evaluated
the patients' respiratory, physical, and mental
conditions at the time of admission, four weeks after
admission, and at the time of discharge.
Results: We confirmed an improvement in the shortness
of breath in those with respiratory conditions, and a
significant improvement in the walking distance related
to physical function before the time of discharge, but
anxiety and depression remained.
Conclusion: Patients with moderate to severe COVID-19
can be discharged home after convalescent rehabilitation.
Despite improved dyspnea and walking distance, the
patients tend to have incomplete recovery, including
physical deconditioning, mood disorders, and other long-
COVID conditions at discharge.
Key words: moderate to severe COVID-19, convalescent rehabilitation, respiratory symptom, physical function, mental health