Ms Tanya Buettikofer1,2, Ms Allison Maher1, Ms Michelle Bennett1, Ms Veronica Rainbird2, Dr Hsin-Chia Carol Huang1,3, A/Prof Philip Gaughwin1,2, Mr Rory Carlyle1, Ms Miriam Vandermeide1, Dr Marc Nickels4, Ms Wendy Ho1, Ms Madeleine Brady1, Dr Kacie Patterson1, Dr Jo Morris1, Prof Imogen Mitchell1,3, Prof Jenny Paratz5,6, Prof Bernie Bissett1,2
1Canberra Health Services, Canberra, Australia, 2Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia, 3College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia, 4Ipswich Hospital, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia, 5The Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia, 6Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Tanya is the Senior Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy at North Canberra Hospital and was the Senior Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy Co-ordinator and Educator as part of Calvary Public Hospital Bruce’s COVID response. She led the development of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Remote Program and developed an education program in cardiorespiratory skills. Tanya is a PhD candidate at the University of Canberra and is delighted to be investigating the feasibility of a follow up clinic for ICU survivors in the ACT. Tanya's research is essential in informing policy to keep ICU survivors out of the hospital and optimise their return to participate in their communities.
Abstract:
Introduction:
In Australia, Long COVID affects 5-10% of COVID-19 cases. Few multidisciplinary services exist to support recovery from Long COVID. Incorporation of exercise therapy remains controversial in this consumer group.
Aims/Question:
To investigate the physical outcomes of a novel Australian multidisciplinary Long COVID Recovery Clinic that incorporates personalised exercise prescription including respiratory and peripheral strengthening and carefully monitored cardiovascular training.
Methods: Design:
single-centre prospective observational study. Setting and participants: consumers ≥18 years old who had completed the Long COVID Recovery Clinic at University of Canberra Hospital by 30/06/2023. Outcome measures on enrolment and completion: Modified COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (C19-YRSm), spirometry, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and 6-minute-walk-test (6MWT). Data analysis: descriptive statistics and comparison of assessment and reassessment of outcome measures.
Results:
208consumers were referred, 95(46%) of whom were vaccinated for coronavirus; 2(3%) consumers identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. 72(35%) completed the program, 41(57%) female, mean age46, mean duration 123 clinic days (range 1to384, SD 64.0). Consumers showed improvement in C19-YRSm (MD4.9, SD16.2) and 6MWT distance (MD56.3, SD133.0). Spirometry values were similar before and after (FVC MD 0.04L, SD1.01; FEV1 MD 0.02L, SD0.88) while there was a modest improvement in MIP (MD7.9cmH2O, SD27.3). There were no adverse events as a result of participation in exercise.
Conclusion:
The majority of participants showed improvement in some physical outcome measures after attending the multidisciplinary Long COVID Recovery Clinic that incorporates supervised exercise and pacing, without deleterious effects.
Impact:
Our findings can inform future planning of services for consumers with Long COVID.