Background: COVID-19 has quickly become a worldwide threat to health, travel, and commerce. Studies adressing the clinical-functional presentation of viral infection and physiotherapy management in children are scarce. The purpose statement was to provide current perspectives on the physiotherapy interventions for managing children based on COVID-19 evidence.
Methods: In this review, databases were searched between January 1, and March 26, 2020. The following descriptors were considered in the electronic databases National Library of Medicine (PubMed/Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro): (novel Coronavirus), (novel corona virus), Coronavirus, (corona vírus), 2019-nCoV, nCovor, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2. The results were described through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health.
Results: Sixteen papers were included in this review. COVID-19 seems to lead to restriction of participation and interfere in tasks, such as recreation and leisure activities, respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. Personal protective equipments and contact precautions are important part of treatment. Effective oxygen therapy should be given immediately in presence of hypoxia. Nasal high-flow oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation, lung-protective ventilation strategies and prone position, should be undertaken when necessary under appropriate conditions. Airway clearance techniques should be administered only strictly needed and early activities must be encouraged.
Conclusions: Potential physiotherapy interventions for children with COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 consist of ventilatory management, airway clearance techniques and early activities and mobilization.