Considerations for Use of Ultrashort Wave Therapy in Management of COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

A review. In early 2020, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occupies the public health vanguard for all governments across the world. In China, where the virus was first identified and where to date the greatest numbers of infected people are located, significant efforts are being made to address the public health threat posed by the disease, and to identify methods to treat the disease. One method being used is ultra-shortwave diathermy (USWD). This paper reviews relevant aspects of this form of electromagnetic energy to elucidate its risks and any potential benefits in acute infective conditions of the lung. When managing patients with COVID-19, the hazards to staff and patients of cross contamination by equipment and the risks of unintentional viral spread must first be considered. Further, in any application of electrotherapy modality to a patient, procedures involving assessment of reliability of machine output and normal skin sensation of the patient must be ascertained. In patients with COVID-19, the risk of passing a current close to the heart must be considered. A review of evidence on the uses of reduction of such content in physiotherapy entry-level curricula. There is no evidence of a clin. benefit of USWD in China, there is a lack of reports that describe proper randomization methods, consideration of electrode placements, and essential safety measure procedures. The long-term effect on lung function should be contemplated. In conclusion, the authors highlight the need for structured gathering of data to investigate the role of USWD on acute and chronic effect on lung lesion prior to endorsing an unconstrained application of USWD to patients with COVID-19.