Infection with SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus) led to the involvement and complications of different organs, which may lead to signs and symptoms that can last for months after infection, functionally compromising these individuals. Faced with this, the physiotherapist has a fundamental role.

Describe the Functional Status and Respiratory Muscle Strength of post-covid patients, referred to start an outpatient cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CPR) program of the Unified Health System (SUS), with complaints of dyspnea and fatigue.

Individuals with medical referral for rehabilitation due to cardiorespiratory and/or musculoskeletal complications due to COVID-19 infection were included, regardless of gender and age, and regardless of the type of clinical treatment performed during the infection phase of the disease. As estimates, the pre-intervention was linked to a research and extension project in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation aimed at patients with post-covid complications. The assessment was structured and performed with the application of the following tests and tests: Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), Modified Medical Research Council, Degree of Dyspnea (MRC), Test 1-minute Sit- and Stand-Up Test (TST1), 2-minute Stationary Walking Test (SWT2), 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Manovacuometry (MIP - Maximum Positive Inspiratory Pressure / MEP - Maximum Positive Expiratory Pressure).

At this time, six (6) were evaluated, 4 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 52 years (± 18). As results obtained are: PCFS: Grade 0 (1 person), grade 1 (2 people), grade 2 (2 people), grade 3 (1 person); MRC 1 (± 1); TST1 17 repetitions ± 6, SWT2 53 lifts (± 25), 6MWT 413 m (± 112) with mean predicted value of 595; PiMax -82cmH2O (± 31) with a mean predicted value of -100cmH2O; PeMax +83cmH2O (± 31) with a predicted average of +104cmH2O.

For these patients, it was possible to observe PiMax and PeMax values below the predicted values, showing impairment of the respiratory muscles. In addition, a single individual did not present functional dysfunction, and the functional performance tests justified the lower-than-expected results.

Individuals with symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue after infection with COVID-19 have a functional and respiratory disability and should be referred to outpatient public services specialized in rehabilitation.