COVID-19: the importance of physical therapy in the recovery of workers’ health

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is likely to have a major impact on society and the economy since the illness is currently infecting a significant number of active workers in the industry and service sectors. The illness can have long-term consequences for patients, affecting their functional capacity and, consequently, their occupational performance. This study analyzed the effects of COVID-19 on occupational health, with a focus on the importance of physical therapy in rehabilitation. An integrative literature review was conducted based on articles retrieved from the PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS databases using the following keywords: COVID-19, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and occupational health. The search retrieved 1,308 studies, 15 of which met inclusion criteria for the review. A thorough assessment of the articles revealed four topics that corresponded to the results of this study: 1) effects of COVID-19 on occupational health; 2) physical therapy in mild and moderate cases without hospitalization; 3) physical therapy in hospitalized patients with COVID-19; 4) physical therapy in post-intensive care unit (ICU) recovery and after hospital discharge. The findings showed that COVID-19 can affect several physiological systems and have both short- and long-term effects on patients, including physical and psychological impairments. Physical therapists must be involved in the battle against this illness to help patients recover their physical function and return to work as quickly, safely, and effectively as possible.

Covid-19: a importância da fisioterapia durante o tratamento e recuperação pós uti / Covid-19: the importance of physiotherapy during post icu treatment and recovery

“…Tal atividade facilita o desmame da ventilação mecânica, reduz o tempo de permanência em UTI e, consequentemente a permanência hospitalar, além de promover melhora na qualidade de vida após a alta hospitalar. Diante de sua especificidade a fisioterapia se tornou uma das principais ferramentas de combate aos danos causados pelo COVID-19, e atualmente faz a diferença no tratamento dos pacientes internados em UTIs, com seus profissionais nas linhas de frente de combate à doença, os componentes do sistema de saúde vêm conseguindo recuperar os pacientes (KUSSLER, 2020; provocando altos índices de infecção e morte, o que levou a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) declarar uma emergência de saúde pública de importância internacional, e posteriormente em um quadro crítico de pandemia (PAZ et al, 2021).…”

“…Segundo Paz et al, (2021) durante todo o processo de acometimento da doença o paciente precisa ser monitorado, e quanto maior for a precocidade do atendimento fisioterapêutico, melhor será a resposta do organismo e menor serão as sequelas.…”

Effects of tai chi and qigong on rehabilitation after COVID-19: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

“… 5 It affects not only the respiratory system but also the cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological and musculoskeletal systems, 6 and the elderly, obese individuals, and those with heart disease, immune-suppression, and pre-existing respiratory problems are more likely to develop severe forms of this disease. 7 It is highly infectious and has a high mortality rate. 8 The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases worldwide as of 30 October 2021 is 245 373 039, including 4 979 421 deaths.…”

Early physiotherapy and chest wall oscillation in patients with COVID-19 disease at the intensive care unit: a pilot clinical trial

“…Physical therapists are important in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic because they help with the prevention and rehabilitation of COVID-19-related impairments, as well as assisting with functional independence and reintegration into society [5]. Dysphagia, muscle weakness, critical illness myopathy and neuropathy, reduced joint mobility, neck and shoulder pain (due to prolonged pronation), difficulty in verticalization, impaired balance and gait, limitations in activities of daily living, difficult awakening with long-term confusional state, and psychological problems have all been diagnosed so far.…”

“…Various ventilatory methods, such as early chest physiotherapy (CPT) and rehabilitation, may be required for different patients. In general, CPT maneuvers are regarded critical in patient management during an ICU stay [5]. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy focuses on the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory disorders, with the goal of improving physical rehabilitation after a hospital stay.…”