Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COVID-19

Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2020 Sep;99(9):769-774. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001505.

Abstract

This analysis extrapolates information from previous studies and experiences to bring physical medicine and rehabilitation perspective and intervention to the multidisciplinary treatment of COVID-19. The purpose of pulmonary rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients is to improve symptoms of dyspnea, relieve anxiety, reduce complications, minimize disability, preserve function, and improve quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation during the acute management of COVID-19 should be considered when possible and safe and may include nutrition, airway, posture, clearance technique, oxygen supplementation, breathing exercises, stretching, manual therapy, and physical activity. Given the possibility of long-term disability, outpatient posthospitalization pulmonary rehabilitation may be considered in all patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / rehabilitation*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / methods*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / rehabilitation*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • Respiratory Therapy / methods*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Subacute Care / methods*