A Case Report on a Patient with Late Complications of COVID-19 Complaining of Dyspnea Treated with Korean Medicine Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Article information

J Korean Med. 2022;43(1):171-179
Publication date (electronic) : 2022 March 01
doi : https://doi.org/10.13048/jkm.22013
1Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dep. of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea
2Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea
3Department of Neuropsychology, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea
Correspondence to: Yang-Chun Park, Korean Internal Medicine, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, 75, Daedeok-daero 176-beongil, Seo-gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea 35235, Tel: +82-42-470-9126, Fax: +82-42-470-9486
Received 2022 February 11; Accepted 2022 February 17.

Abstract

Objectives

The purpose of study was to report the clinical improvement of late complications of COVID-19 patient complaining of dyspnea treated with Korean medicine pulmonary rehabilitation.

Methods

To assess the treatment outcomes, we used the modified medical research council scale (mMRC), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ).

Results

After treatments, the patient’s clinical symptoms were improved with mMRC, 6MWD, PEFR, and SGRQ.

Conclusions

The Korean medicine pulmonary rehabilitation was effective in the treatment of late complications of COVID-19 patient. This study suggested the possibility of Korean Medicine pulmonary rehabilitation program in the clinic for late complications of COVID-19.

Fig. 1

(A) Chest X-ray [2021.11.15] (B) Chest X-ray [2021.12.04]

Fig. 2

The changes of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

The Korean Traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

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Article information Continued

Fig. 1

(A) Chest X-ray [2021.11.15] (B) Chest X-ray [2021.12.04]

Fig. 2

The changes of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)

Table 1

The Korean Traditional Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program.

Method Composition Course description Objective Time
Lung-conduction exercise Breathing technique (Jogigyeol, Taesikbeop) Sit up comfortably and slowly while inhaling through the nose. After sufficient inhalation, hold breath while counting as high as you can tolerate. Then gently breathe out through the mouth Respiratory efficiency (Ventilation-perfusion ratio) Set 3 times (5 min)
Lung-doyinbeop While sitting on the ground with both hands curled, inhale, swell your back, and raise your back up Chest mobilizing Set 5 times (4 min)
Hold your fists, bend your arms behind your back and tap your spine to the left and right Secretion removal Set 15 times (4 min)
Hold your breath for a while, close your eyes, hit your teeth several times, and swallow if the saliva is stuck in your mouth Relaxing Set 3 times (2 min)
Chuna manual therapy Fascia Chuna (Diaphragm) The patient lies down and the operator places the thumb under the xiphoid process (central tendon), the front and rear rib attachment site respectively. Keep it in the inhalation, and press it slightly back in the the exhalation to maintain a tension until it relaxes Respiratory efficiency (Reducing the use of breathing accessory muscle, Lowering respiratory load) Set 3–4 (3 min)
Fascia Chuna (Breathing accessory muscle) The patient lies down and makes isometric contraction in the inhalation; simultaneously the operator gives the opposite force. After 6–7 seconds, the patient exhales and relaxes the muscles Set 3–4 (3 min)
Exercise therapy Strength exercise Upper limb and lower limbs strengthening training (1 set of 10–15 times of each muscle) Muscle endurance (performance-enhancing) Set 2–3 (15min)
Cardiovascular exercise Using an ergometer or by treadmill Cardiopulmonary function (increasing walking distance) 20min