Rehabilitation of patients post-COVID-19 infection: a literature review

Abstract

Rehabilitation is important for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Given the lack of guidelines in English on the rehabilitation of these patients, we conducted a review of the most recent reports. We performed this literature review using the principal research databases and included randomized trials, recommendations, quasi-randomized or prospective controlled clinical trials, reports, guidelines, field updates, and letters to the editor. We identified 107 studies in the database search, among which 85 were excluded after screening the full text or abstract. In total, 22 studies were finally included. The complexity of the clinical setting and the speed of spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which leads to rapid occupation of beds in the intensive care unit, make it necessary to discharge patients with COVID-19 who have mild symptoms as soon as possible. For these reasons, it is necessary to formulate rehabilitation programs for these patients, to help them restore physical and respiratory function and to reduce anxiety and depression, particularly patients with comorbidities and those who live alone or in rural settings, to restore a good quality of life.

Suboptimal personal protective equipment and SARS-CoV-2 infection in Nephrologists: a Spanish national survey

“…Secondly, sick leave (41% of infected individuals in our series) increases the workload for colleagues, with a potential negative impact on job performance and mental health [ 10 ]. Thirdly, the possibility of developing persistent symptoms under the post-COVID-19 syndrome [ 11 ]. Fourthly, the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to colleagues, patients and family members, especially for those with undiagnosed disease.…”

To contrast and reverse skeletal muscle weakness by Full-Body In-Bed Gym in chronic COVID-19 pandemic syndrome

“…6,7,[44][45][46][47] In conclusion, it is never too early and it is never too late to increase daily levels of volitional or FES-induced muscle contractions in aging and early-aging syndromes. [19][20][21][22] Full-Body in-Bed Gym could help patients suffering with mild cases to prevent chronic COVID-19 syndrome and to recover from weakening of skeletal muscles.…”

“…All these measures are important to maintain a good physical condition that improves body adaptive potentials and the immune system. Here our contribution is to convince practitioners, [20][21][22][23] and the population at large that Full-Body in-Bed Gym is an option to be taken seriously, despite its apparent minimal requested effort. [10][11][12]…”

Manifestaciones neurológicas periféricas en la infección por Sars-CoV-2: enfoque desde la Medicina Física y la Rehabilitación

“…Con respecto a los servicios ambulatorios, dada la dinámica actual de aislamiento social como medida de control para la expansión de la pandemia, se nos presentan retos en el seguimiento e intervención de los pacientes; en ello juega un papel preponderante la telemedicina, la cual permite, mediante video, mantener un flujo de información y seguimiento al paciente con los servicios de salud, evitando así su traslado a centros médicos y minimizando el riesgo de infección. De igual forma, esta modalidad de servicio permite el abordaje de personas en sitios remotos 49,50 . Se recomienda la continuación en el hogar de los ejercicios que se prescribieron en la última sesión de terapia 51 .…”