# Individually Tailored Physiotherapy in Persons With Respiratory Symptoms Related to Post‐Acute Sequelae of COVID‐19: A Feasibility Study With Mixed Methods

## TL;DR

This study shows that a personalized physiotherapy program is feasible and beneficial for people with long-term respiratory symptoms after COVID-19.

## Contribution

The study introduces a tailored physiotherapy approach for PASC patients and demonstrates its feasibility and positive impact.

## Key findings

- The program achieved 100% retention and 99% session completion, showing high feasibility.
- Participants reported significant improvements in quality of life, functional status, and self-efficacy.
- Qualitative feedback highlighted the value of personalized care, flexible scheduling, and hybrid sessions.

## Abstract

Post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 (PASC) commonly present with persistent respiratory symptoms, even in individuals with normal chest imaging and pulmonary function. Given the heterogeneity within this population, a personalized approach to respiratory physiotherapy could improve outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and impact of a tailored respiratory physiotherapy program on health‐related quality of life (QoL), functional impairment, and patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in individuals with persistent respiratory symptoms due to PASC.

A single‐arm, open‐label trial was conducted with 13 adults diagnosed with PASC, recruited from Long COVID clinics in Calgary, Canada. Participants underwent an 8‐session personalized physiotherapy program, including education, breathing exercises, and strengthening. Feasibility was measured through recruitment, retention, and session completion rates. PROMs were collected at baseline and post‐intervention, and qualitative interviews explored participant perspectives.

The program was highly feasible, with 100% retention and a 99% completion rate. Significant improvements were observed in QoL, functional status (Post COVID‐19 Function Status scale), and self‐efficacy scores. The 6‐min walk test showed clinically meaningful improvements in three out of seven participants. Qualitative interviews (n = 8) identified three main themes: struggles with PASC, positive aspects of the program, and benefits from completing it. Participants valued the personalized approach, heart rate monitors, flexible scheduling, and a hybrid of in‐person and virtual sessions, reporting increased confidence, improved symptom management, and better mental health.

A personalized respiratory physiotherapy program is feasible and may benefit individuals with PASC. Larger trials are needed to assess long‐term efficacy and scalability.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05040893