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@article{194855,
        author = {Mayura  Deshmukh and Prerna Chandekar and Pallavi Bhakaney and Tushar Palekar},
        title = {Long after the lockdowns: Effect of Inpatient Rehabilitation Protocol in a middle-aged male diagnosed with COVID-19 Pneumonia},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {10},
        pages = {6129-6136},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=194855},
        abstract = {Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severely challenged healthcare systems worldwide, with later waves associated with greater respiratory compromise, higher intensive care utilisation, and prolonged recovery. Survivors of severe infection frequently develop persistent symptoms and reduced functional capacity, underscoring the need for structured rehabilitation. This case report presents the clinical course and physiotherapy rehabilitation of a 52-year-old male with severe COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome and extended invasive mechanical ventilation. A personalised, staged physiotherapy program was initiated early during the intensive care unit stay and advanced systematically over three weeks. The intervention included diaphragmatic and thoracic expansion exercises, Buteyko-based breathing retraining, airway clearance techniques, passive and active-assisted limb mobilisation, progressive strengthening, balance training, gait re-education, and aerobic conditioning. Rehabilitation goals focused on improving ventilation, preventing immobilisation-related complications, restoring muscle strength, and achieving functional independence. Outcomes were measured using validated scales, including the ICU Mobility Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Post-COVID Functional Status Scale, and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion. Marked improvements were observed across mobility, functional status, exertion tolerance, and psychological well-being at program completion. This case highlights the clinical value of early, structured, and individualised physiotherapy in critical respiratory illness recovery and supports its role in improving overall function, independence, and quality of life after severe COVID-19.},
        keywords = {COVID-19, Severe pneumonia, Pulmonary rehabilitation, Physiotherapy, SARS-CoV-2, Long COVID, Return of COVID},
        month = {March},
        }