Combining the evidence from patients discharged with severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle East respiratory syndrome, it was found that generalized weakness, as well as shortness of breath, were the main reasons for their limited physical function. Some patients discharged with novel coronavirus pneumonia still have respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty coughing up sputum, especially in patients discharged with severe and critical illnesses, and regular assessment of pulmonary function and imaging of the chest is recommended in order to develop long-term, individualized respiratory rehabilitation program. The following training programs can be arranged around the above respiratory symptoms problems: 1. Body position: If patients have shortness of breath and wheezing, they are encouraged to keep their body tilted forward about 30° to reduce respiratory work and increase lung capacity. For patients who cannot stand, in order to reduce the adverse effects of the flat position on pulmonary ventilation and perfusion, it is recommended to rest more often in a sitting position during non-sleeping hours, such as with the head of the bed elevated by 60°. Or use pillows, quilts, etc. to cushion the upper body; 2. Adjust the respiratory rhythm: When patients have accelerated respiratory rate or thoracoabdominal contradictory breathing, encourage patients to adjust the respiratory rhythm through abdominal breathing to reduce respiratory work and improve respiratory efficiency. The nasal inhalation and oral exhalation can be used, and when exhaling, apply lip reduction and exhalation. During this process, the hand can be placed on the abdomen, and when inhaling, feel the abdomen bulge upward, and when exhaling, relax and exhale, and the abdomen retract naturally. Initially, a metronome can be applied to practice breathing rhythm, the metronome can be adjusted according to the patient’s individual breathing frequency, the frequency of the metronome should be lower than two times the patient’s breathing frequency, but will not cause strong discomfort, try to breathe according to the rhythm of the metronome, according to the sound made by the metronome, two exhales, one inhale, gradually adjust, in the process of practice, should be carried out in a quiet environment with concentrated attention; 3. Thoracic mobility training: Since such patients mostly have restrictive ventilation disorders, patients are encouraged to perform thoracic mobility training. (1) chest muscle self-stretching, find a stable fixed object such as a cabinet, elbow flexion 90°, put the upper arm above the distal elbow against the side of the cabinet, make the upper arm parallel to the ground, stand with the feet in a lunge, move the center of gravity to the front until the chest feels stretched, hold for 10-30 seconds, keep even breathing during the process do not hold your breath. (2) Back muscle stretching, the patient can choose to do it in a sitting position, keeping the torso upright, looking forward, placing one hand on the leg, the other side of the upper limb abducted to the maximum, then the torso to the opposite side of the lateral flexion, there is a sense of stretching that stops. This process is maintained for 10-30 seconds, keep breathing evenly during the process, do not hold your breath, alternate sides. (3) Neck and shoulder muscle stretching, the patient can choose to sit on a stable support surface, and the upper limbs can hang under the support surface. Keep the torso upright, look forward, hold one hand above the opposite ear and bend it laterally to the same side, while stretching the opposite hand downward as far as possible until there is a stretching sensation, hold for 10-30 seconds, keep breathing evenly during the process, do not hold your breath, alternate sides. (4) Engaging respiratory muscle groups and other techniques can allow the patient to perform activities such as reading aloud or singing in the anti-gravity position as much as possible. If the standing or sitting position cannot be maintained, the semi-recumbent or 60° reclining position can also be chosen. Content source: Dr. You Lai