Long Term Functional Outcomes of COVID-19 Patients Treated by Rehabilitation Services viaTelehealth

The novel coronavirus that began in Wuhan, China in late 2019 made an appearance in the United States in January 2020. It is a respiratory disease spreading rapidly from person to person. Recent data shows that fibrosis is seen on the lungs, and possible myocardial damage. Data shows that physical therapy was not highly utilized in recovery for these patients due to high PPE demands, and increased risk of exposure. This study will be using telehealth services to assess and treat these patients so Physical Therapy guidance is provided for movement and returning to prior level of function. Currently there is no data showing the long term effects of the those who were able to utilize Physical Therapy in recovering from COVID-19 This study will be looking at the differences in outcomes of COVID-19 positive subjects who able to complete Physical Therapy Telehealth visits versus those who did not. All groups will be tested at multiple data points for lung capacity, upper and lower extremity strength, and overall endurance to determine the long term functional effects. The control group were diagnosed with COVID-19 and recovered before the Physical and Pulmonary protocol was implemented.