Physiotherapeutic Approaches in the Rehabilitation of Patients After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: A Scoping Review of In-Hospital Until Outpatient Phase

Abstract

Objectives: This scoping review aimed to identify studies that address the use of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of adult and elderly patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: This scoping review was based on Joanna Briggs Institute methodology: participant (P), represented by adult and elderly patients after SARS-CoV-2; concept (C), main physical therapy interventions; and context (C), recovery period after SARS-CoV-2 (in-hospital or outpatient phase). The following information sources were used: MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, PEDro, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Springer. The search was conducted between December 2019 and November 2021. Rayyan (Qatar Computing Research Institute, QCRI) was used for study selection process and analysis.

Results: A total of 7,568 studies were identified; 11 were included in this review. The most frequent physical therapy interventions were those associated with pulmonary, cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurological, and digestive rehabilitation in adult and elderly patients after SARS-CoV-2. Physiotherapy interventions included aerobic exercises, respiratory muscle training, muscle strength training, breathing exercises, early mobilization, balance training, bronchial hygiene maneuvers, body positioning management, flexibility training, cognitive training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and trunk exercises.

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the growing utility of therapeutic interventions, mainly in improving quality of life, as well as body functions after pulmonary, cardiac, neurological, digestive, and musculoskeletal rehabilitation in patients after SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: Adult; COVID-19; Elderly; Physiotherapy specialty; Rehabilitation; SARS-CoV-2.