The Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review
- Journal
- Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland) (Q1)
- Published
- 27 July 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review / meta-analysis of RCTs
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1a)
- Authors
- Vlad-Florin Oiegar, Cristina Călărașu, Paraschiva Postolache, Constantin Ghimuș, Mara-Amalia Bălteanu, Simona Pătru, et al.
- PMID
- 42646577
- DOI
- 10.3390/medsci14040443
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine (top studies of the week, 30 August 2026).
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-COVID-19 syndrome represents a global health problem, manifesting with persistent multiple organ symptoms, including respiratory ones. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of different pulmonary rehabilitation interventions in the management of the disease, including its particularities. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) statement and prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420261292824). PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 2021 to January 2026. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Twenty randomized controlled trials involving 2101 adult patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome met the eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. RESULTS: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) demonstrated significant improvements in exercise capacity, with notable increases in 6MWT and VO2max. Respiratory and peripheral muscle strength significantly increased. The quality of life, dyspnea and fatigue consistently improved. The results for intrinsic pulmonary function, anxiety, and depression were heterogeneous, suggesting benefits more related to reconditioning. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an essential and efficient component in post-COVID-19 syndrome, improving physical function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, the quality of life, fatigue and dyspnea. Telerehabilitation is a viable alternative. Adapting protocols is crucial, recognizing that most benefits derive from physical reconditioning and muscle training, not necessarily from major structural pulmonary changes.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.