Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional capacity in individuals treated for pulmonary tuberculosis: a systematic review protocol

Objective: The aim of this review is to synthesize the available evidence on the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation on the functional capacity of people who have finished drug treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a treatment option for physical functional problems that persist after pharmacological treatment for tuberculosis; however, the results of primary studies on the subject are inconclusive. Inclusion criteria: This review will consider for inclusion studies carried out with adults (>= 18 years old) who have completed pharmacological treatment for tuberculosis. Outcomes of interest will include functional capacity, quality of life, lung function, respiratory and skeletal muscle strength, subjective perception exertion, and dyspnea. Methods: Searches for published and unpublished studies will be carried out on MEDLINE (via PubMed), LILACS, PEDro, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Sport Medicine and Education Index, Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Source, and SPORTDiscus. The results of the review will be reported according to PRISMA guidelines. There will be no language or time limitations. Two independent reviewers will select and critically appraise the selected studies and extract the data using standardized instruments. The certainty of evidence will be reported according to GRADE. Where appropriate, studies will be subjected to meta-analysis. Effect sizes will be expressed in odds ratios (for dichotomous data) or in standardized mean difference (for continuous data) and its 95% CI. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42021254719.