Whole-Body Vibration Exercise: A Possible Intervention in the Management of Post COVID-19 Complications?

Abstract

COVID-19 infection frequently leaves the infected subjects with impairments of multi-organs, the so-called post COVID-19 syndrome, which needs to be adequately addressed. The perspective of this narrative review is to verify the possible role of whole-body vibration exercise in the post-COVID-19 rehabilitation of these patients. Publications reporting the use of WBV exercises to counteract fatigue, muscle weakness, neurological manifestations, pain, quality of life, quality of sleep, lung commitments, and mental conditions in different clinical conditions were selected. Considering all the findings described in the current review, it seems that WBV exercise might be potentially useful and effective in the rehabilitation of post COVID-19 syndrome, being able to positively influence fatigue, muscle weakness, and quality of life without any side-effects. Controlled studies are mandatory to define the best protocols to be proposed, which need to be tailored to the individual and clinical characteristics.

A comprehensive systematic scoping review for physiotherapy interventions for people living with long COVID

“…22 To battle chronic pain along with physical limitations and low exercise tolerance, strengthening exercises, multi-component training, and guided walking practice were recommended. 28,50 Pain associated with myalgia and arthralgia was advised to be treated by neuromuscular exercises, however, functional electrical stimulation (FES) can be promising to restore function and muscle performance. 36 For musculoskeletal pain, studies suggest 42,46 aerobic exercise and respiratory re-education, and pacing exercises as an initial bout, progressing to strengthening, pelvic bridging, and core stability exercises.…”

“…42,46 Fatigue, muscle pain, and muscle weakness were the commonly reported symptoms, and a wide range of manual therapy, manipulative therapy, exercise therapy, and electrotherapy was suggested. 24,25,41,50,58,62 Manual and manipulative therapy approaches included soft tissue techniques, relaxation techniques, release techniques, and trigger point therapy. Exercise therapy included aerobic training, range of motion exercise, and dynamic muscle training.…”

“…The issues can be managed by respiratory rehabilitation, aerobic training, hydrotherapy, and thermotherapy coping and ADL strategies (including management of energy and drive functions), strength exercises, resistance training, postural gymnastics, and respiratory re-education. Mood disturbances and sleep disturbances 24,36,41,50 can be managed by cycle ergometer exercises and muscular strengthening, aerobic exercises, strength exercises, resistance training, and vibration exercises. Impairments in the functional status due to sleep issues, 24 and functional capacity issues 27 can be managed through proper primary care management, along with aerobic training, hydrotherapy and thermotherapy, coping, and ADL strategies (including management of energy and drive functions).…”

Non-Invasive Pulsatile Shear Stress Modifies Endothelial Activation; A Narrative Review

“…Furthermore, in the same study using in vitro stimulation of human mesenchymal stromal cells with WBV, WBV reduced the increase in LPS-induced IL-1β and TNF-α induced by LPS [ 162 ]. Two recent reviews have addressed the potential for WBV to improve acute and long-term clinical conditions associated with COVID-19 and provide a framework for the use of WBV in the acute care setting [ 163 , 164 ].…”