Physical therapy performance in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation: knowledge and experience of physiotherapists

Abstract

After the acute phase of COVID-19, many patients have persistent symptoms or develop sequelae, which leads them to seek physiotherapy rehabilitation services. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge and experience of physiotherapists on the assessment and treatment of post-COVID-19 patients. The cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 73 physiotherapists using an online questionnaire about academic background, areas of expertise, knowledge about COVID-19, and knowledge and experience of assessment and treatment resources in post-COVID-19 rehabilitation, in addition to barriers to the care of these patients in the ambulatory care. Most physiotherapists had heard of post-COVID-19 syndrome, however, only 44% felt sufficiently informed about post-COVID-19 rehabilitation. There was a discrepancy between the degree of importance and experience with the frequency of use of assessment resources, especially the use of specific assessment instruments for skeletal muscle strength, mobility, and respiratory function, in addition to scales and questionnaires to assess disabilities, quality of life, and sleep quality. On the other hand, most reported the importance and had sufficient experience to treat post-COVID-19 patients using cheap and accessible resources. However, less than half use techniques related to respiratory muscle training and/or more sophisticated equipment. Thus, we conclude that most physiotherapists recognize the importance and report sufficient experience to assess and treat post-COVID-19 patients, however, there is a discrepancy between the assessment in the biopsychosocial context of the patient and the treatment process.