THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PULMONARY REHABILITATION PROGRAMS IN THE RECOVERY OF PATIENTS WITH POST-COVID-19 SYNDROME

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant global health impacts, leaving many patients with persistent respiratory sequelae after the acute phase of the disease. Symptoms such as dyspnea, fatigue, and reduced pulmonary capacity characterize post-COVID-19 syndrome, requiring effective therapeutic strategies. Pulmonary rehabilitation, already consolidated in chronic respiratory diseases, emerges as a promising alternative to mitigate these sequelae and improve quality of life. Objective: To investigate, through an integrative literature review, the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in the recovery of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, analyzing their impacts on functional capacity and quality of life. Method: This study is an integrative literature review with a quantitative and exploratory approach. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 in databases such as SCIELO, BVS, and Google Scholar were considered. Inclusion criteria comprised studies addressing pulmonary rehabilitation interventions in post-COVID-19 patients with measurable outcomes in lung function, functional capacity, or quality of life. Expected Results: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs are expected to reduce symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue, improve clinical and functional parameters (six-minute walk test), accelerate recovery, prevent complications and hospital readmissions, and facilitate the return to daily activities and social reintegration. Additionally, these programs are expected to contribute to reducing the burden on health systems and strengthening clinical practices in the Brazilian context.