Cycling Therapy for Reducing Psychological Problems of Patients With COVID-19

Abstract

D uring the current COVID-19 outbreak situation, many psychological problems are experienced by many people worldwide, that is, anxiety, stress, depression, frustration, burnout, boredom, and even cabin fever. [1][2][3][4][5][6] These psychological problems are, of course, alarming to daily activities, especially for patients with COVID-19 after recovery. If it is not treated immediately, it will become a big enough problem, which various diseases can attack because of decreased immunity. 7,8 To reduce these psychological problems, there is a form of therapy that is very easy and can be done by everyone, regardless of age, sex, religion, etc, namely, cycling therapy. 9 According to Moore et al, 9 cycling therapy can make the body fitter because it can create static movements in the body, resulting in smooth circulation of blood from the brain to the rest of the body. This, in turn, can help the brain produce more endorphins than usual. 10 Basically, endorphins can help increase the body's immunity and make life happier, but they will also reduce anxiety, stress, depression, frustration, burnout, boredom, and even cabin fever that is experienced. 6,[10][11][12] When doing cycling therapy, you can also listen to music that you love. 13 This can further help the brain to produce other hormones, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. [14][15][16] On the basis of the above writing, mental health workers, such as counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, doctors, and social workers can invite everyone worldwide to start this cycling therapy so that everyone can reduce their psychological problems, especially for patients with COVID-19 after recovery. Everyone can have good mental and physical health amid this COVID-19 outbreak that does not know when it will end.

Archery Therapy for Improving Focus and Reducing Stress During Work From Home: An Alternative Treatment for People With COVID-19 After Recovery

“…One of the treatments that can be done is movement therapy. A previous article by Situmorang et al 4 discusses the use of cycling therapy as an alternative treatment for patients with COVID-19 after recovery. This therapy can be used to reduce the psychological problems experienced by them.…”

Telemonitoring of Home-Based Biking Exercise: Assessment of Wireless Interfaces

“…Cycling exercise equipment is often used to facilitate training of the upper and lower extremities, and is widely available in rehabilitation facilities that can oversee patient exercise [ 7 ]. Cycling exercise training was shown to improve clinical outcomes in patients in hemodialysis [ 8 ], patients in recovery stage after hip fracture [ 9 ], patients with mechanical ventilation [ 10 ], patients with acute recovery stage after stroke [ 11 ], patients with chronic pulmonary disease [ 12 ], patients with chronic health conditions [ 13 ], patients with Parkinson disease [ 14 ], hemiparetic patients [ 15 ], patients with COVID-19 [ 16 ], and in-bed critically ill patients [ 17 ]. Patients’ engagement in telerehabilitation could be promoted using gaming and consumer appliances [ 18 - 22 ], where patients get motivation to engage in enjoyable play behavior that involves useful therapy-related activities [ 23 ].…”