Physical medicine and rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation for COVID-19

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.