What happened?
A 37-year-old woman developed persistent dyspnoea, headaches and cognitive fog after mild COVID-19 that did not require hospitalisation. At outpatient physiotherapy assessment on day 62, her six-minute walk distance was about half of her age-predicted value, with minor strength and cognitive deficits.
Clinical findings
- Persistent dyspnoea, headache and cognitive fog following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Exercise capacity was reduced to approximately 50% of age-predicted six-minute walk distance.
- The assessment also considered emotional health, quality of life and provisional PTSD symptoms.
Rehabilitation described in the report
- The patient attended biweekly physiotherapy for eight weeks, with sessions including aerobic training, strengthening, diaphragmatic breathing and mindfulness.
- The plan was graded to improve activity at home while monitoring symptom and exertion response.
Reported outcomes
- Six-minute walk distance increased by 199 metres, reaching about 80% of age-predicted distance; muscle strength and physical function improved.
- Quality-of-life and PTSD scores did not improve, and migraine, dyspnoea, fatigue and cognitive dysfunction persisted after therapy.
Clinical lessons to consider
- Post-COVID rehabilitation should assess exercise capacity alongside cognitive and emotional health.
- Improvement in walking capacity does not imply resolution of all persistent symptoms.
- Use graded activity and monitor for symptom exacerbation.
Limitations — what this case cannot tell us
- Single case report; it cannot define a universal post-COVID rehabilitation protocol.
- Some symptoms persisted and psychological outcome measures did not improve.
Original source
Kirby P. Mayer, Angela K. Steele, Melissa K. Soper, Jill D. Branton, Megan L. Lusby, Anna G. Kalema, Esther E. Dupont-Versteegden, Ashley A. Montgomery-Yates. “Physical Therapy Management of an Individual With Post-COVID Syndrome: A Case Report.” Physical Therapy, 2021. DOI: 10.1093/ptj/pzab098
View the original publicationThis page is an independently written educational summary, not a reproduction of the full paper. Check the original article for complete methods, outcome tables, references and licensing.