Phase-Adapted Rehabilitation for Acute Coronavirus Disease-19 Patients and Patient with Long-term Sequelae of Coronavirus Disease-19

Abstract

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, many papers have highlighted the need for the rehabilitation of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most papers refer to the need for respiratory rehabilitation in the acute phase; however, the fact that the infection also affects other organ systems has to be considered in rehabilitation interventions. Long-term symptoms in many cases severely limit activity and participation and alter quality of life, leading to rehabilitation needs. This article proposes a phase-adapted model of linking the acute, postacute, and long-term symptoms of COVID-19 with the well-established matrix of acute, postacute, and long-term rehabilitation services. A review of currently available recommendations for phase-adapted rehabilitation strategies, including the relevance of prehabilitation within this context, is provided.