Impact of Physiotherapy-Led Exercise Programs on Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Patients in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Keywords:
COVID-19 rehabilitation, Exercise therapy, Fatigue, Physiotherapy, Pulmonary function, Quality of life, Randomized controlled trial, Respiratory physiotherapyAbstract
Background:
Post-COVID-19 syndrome, characterized by persistent fatigue, dyspnea, and reduced exercise tolerance, continues to affect global populations long after acute infection. In Pakistan, the lack of structured rehabilitation programs has limited recovery for many survivors. Physiotherapy-led exercise programs, incorporating aerobic and resistance training, have shown promise in restoring function and improving quality of life among post-COVID-19 patients.
Objective:
To evaluate the impact of physiotherapy-led exercise interventions on the quality of life, physical performance, fatigue, and respiratory function of post-COVID-19 patients in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted across private physiotherapy clinics in Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad. One hundred post-COVID-19 patients were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving an 8-week structured physiotherapy program or a control group receiving standard care. Primary outcomes included the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) for quality of life, while secondary measures included the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and spirometric parameters (FVC, FEV₁). Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Ninety-four participants completed the study. The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in SF-36 total scores (from 51.4 ± 9.6 to 78.6 ± 7.8; p < 0.001) and 6MWT distance (from 376.8 ± 42.6 m to 465.2 ± 48.1 m; p < 0.001). Fatigue levels decreased significantly (FSS 5.6 ± 0.9 to 3.2 ± 0.8; p < 0.001), and spirometry revealed notable improvements in FVC and FEV₁ compared with controls.
Conclusion:
Physiotherapy-led exercise programs effectively improve quality of life, exercise capacity, and respiratory outcomes among post-COVID-19 patients. Integrating structured rehabilitation into Pakistan’s healthcare system could promote functional recovery and reduce long-term disability.
Keywords:
COVID-19 rehabilitation, Exercise therapy, Fatigue, Physiotherapy, Pulmonary function, Quality of life, Randomized controlled trial, Respiratory physiotherapy
