The Buzz around Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world on her head and we got flung around with her. Although our lives are slowly but surely going back to normal (or rather a new normal), one thing is certain – the world, and our lives, have changed forever.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

While some people are embracing their freedom and getting back into their old routines, others are still struggling to return to a normal pace of living. Many people worldwide experienced a great loss of loved ones, others are still living with a sense of anxiety. One thing that has been ingrained in everyone is the focus on personal space and hygiene for safety and the prevention of spreading of germs.

For us as Physiotherapists, the role of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation got a lot of attention. It was one of the biggest contributing factors on the road to recovery of COVID-19 for patients with compromised cardiac and respiratory systems. (Thomas et al 2020).

So, what is the buzz about?

Many survivors of severe COVID-19 still suffer from symptoms like fatigue, persistent weakness and decreased respiratory function. According to the World Health Organisation, studies have shown that cardiopulmonary rehabilitation can improve the functional capacity, quality of life and prognosis of patients who suffer or have suffered from the COVID-19 virus.

Globally, physiotherapists work in clinical settings to improve the physical recovery of COVID-19 patients. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation involves several techniques:

· Physical modalities such as manual techniques can be used to assist with the clearance of infected mucus from the person’s chest.

· Positioning, airway clearance techniques and breathing exercises are used to optimise oxygenation, manage breathlessness, assist with clearance of sputum while monitoring the oxygen levels with a SATS monitor.

· Non-invasive ventilation techniques to assist with optimised breathing.

· Mobilisation and rehabilitation to improve functional exercise capacity.

· Relaxation techniques and coping strategies to assist with normal daily living.

· One of the techniques that has been tremendously successful is diaphragmatic breathing, or “Belly Breathing”. Not only does it optimise airflow in the lungs, it also uses minimal muscle activity. Belly breathing furthermore has an enormous physiological effect to assist blood flow, lowering pulse rate & blood pressure and reducing anxiousness. (Hamasaki 2020).

These manual techniques, individually tailored breathing exercises and rehabilitation are well-researched and have been used in a variety of settings for many years such as:

- Acute asthma or chest infections

- Trauma

- Recovery or preparation for major surgery

- Chronic diseases such as COPD, Cystic fibrosis or post-myocardial infarction.

(Khalid et al, 2015)

If you need assistance in any of these areas or would like more information,

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References: :

Thomas et al. 2020. Physiotherapy management for Covid-19 in the acute hospital setting: clinical practice recommendations. Journal of Physiotherapy

Khalid MT. 2015. Role of Physiotherapy in response to changing healthcare needs in the society. International journal of Education and Information technology.

Hamasaki H. 2020. Effects of Diaphragmatic breathing on Health: A Narrative review. Journal of medicines Vol 7.