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Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 42394

Special Issue Editor

1. Department for Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Medicine, Zürcher RehaZentren, Klinik Wald, 8636 Wald, Switzerland
2. Department for Pulmonary Medicine, Faculty of Health, University Witten-Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany
Interests: COPD; interstitial lung diseases; asthma; pulmonary rehabilitation; exercise training in pulmonary diseases; sleep medicine; obstructive sleep apnea

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

COVID-19 infections lead to severe complications in a proportion of patients, which may require intensive medical therapies. These therapies on the one hand, and the long immobilization and the complications of the disease and the therapies on the other, sometimes lead to considerable restrictions in terms of quality of life and performance. This is the domain of rehabilitation, primarily pneumological or internal medicine rehabilitation, but not only this—because of the many complications related to the disease, patients are also cared for in neurological, cardiological, or even musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

This Special Issue aims to collect interesting data in the context of post-COVID-19 patients admitted for rehabilitation. This is not only related to outcome data but also intervention studies, exciting case reports, or reviews. Retrospective analysis is also of interest as well as innovative approaches in this field.

Considering the short period of time available to us so far, there are already a lot of different data, but most of them are from the acute medical field. This also represents a good chance for the rehabilitative field to present its know-how and its successes, but also its problems. Critical analyses are just as important here as success stories.

In this sense, I am looking forward to your contributions and an interesting scientific discourse.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in JCM.

Dr. Marc Spielmanns
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • rehabilitation
  • COVID-19
  • exercise training
  • neurology
  • pulmonary medicine
  • cardiology
  • musculoscelettal

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1033 KiB  
Article
Telerehabilitation in the Finnish Outpatient Rehabilitation Setting from the Perspective of the Socio-Technical Systems Theory
by Tuija Partanen, Riitta Seppänen-Järvelä, Sinikka Hiekkala and Jari Lindh
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(15), 6519; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20156519 - 03 Aug 2023
Viewed by 1346
Abstract
Background: In the development of effective telerehabilitation (TR) interventions, understanding the various characteristics affecting its practice is essential. Remote connection creates a new technically shaped environment for therapy and, therefore, previous therapy methods do not work the same way as before. Objective: The [...] Read more.
Background: In the development of effective telerehabilitation (TR) interventions, understanding the various characteristics affecting its practice is essential. Remote connection creates a new technically shaped environment for therapy and, therefore, previous therapy methods do not work the same way as before. Objective: The objective of this survey was to describe the practice of TR through the socio-technical theory approach. Methods: The 629 respondents to the online questionnaire included music therapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, and neuropsychologists. The materials consisted of five open-ended questions. The analysis combined data-based and theory-based analysis. Results: In the data-based content analysis, we identified three main categories and eight generic categories, whereas in the theory-based, we categorised the main results according to the Fit Between Individuals, Tasks, Technology, and Environment (FITTE) framework dimensions. TR is everyday-life based, it requires shared participation, and the approach has to include coaching and collaboration with the client and their close associates. The everyday-life environment is one of the main dimensions that affect all the other dimensions. Conclusions: TR can be seen as technology-mediated home-based rehabilitation, as it can integrate rehabilitation into the client’s everyday life. In TR, therapy becomes multilateral and it creates a new kind of shared partnership into outpatient therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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11 pages, 345 KiB  
Article
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Outcomes of Post-Acute COVID-19 Patients during Different Waves of the Pandemic
by Marc Spielmanns, Corina E. Schaer, Anna-Maria Pekacka-Egli, Sabine Spielmanns, Olberk Ibish, Guzel Gafina, Antonela Stiube and Matthias Hermann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(10), 5907; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20105907 - 22 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1284
Abstract
(1) Background: Between the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and summer 2022, we distinguished four pandemic waves, with different characteristics of the affected patients. This study investigated the impact of patient characteristics on the outcome of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). (2) Methods: Using [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Between the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic and summer 2022, we distinguished four pandemic waves, with different characteristics of the affected patients. This study investigated the impact of patient characteristics on the outcome of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). (2) Methods: Using a prospective approach, the characteristics of post-acute COVID-19 patients of the different waves who participated in inpatient PR were compared based on their assessments and results collected as part of PR (Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), six-minute walk test (6-MWT), Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT), and Functional Independent Measurement (FIM). (3) Results: A total of 483 patients were included in the analysis (Wave 1 n = 51, Wave 2 n = 202, Wave 3 n = 84, Wave 4 n = 146). Compared to Wave 3 + 4, patients of Wave 1 + 2 were older (69 vs. 63 years; p < 0.001), had a significantly lower CIRS (13.0 vs. 14.7 points; p = 0.004), had significant better PFT (FVC: 73 vs. 68%pred; p = 0.009; DLCOSB: 58 ± 18 vs. 50 ± 17%pred; p = 0.001), and showed significantly more comorbidities (2.0 vs. 1.6 n/pers.; p = 0.009). Wave 3 + 4 showed significantly greater improvements according to the 6-MWT (147 vs. 188 m; p < 0.001) and the FIM (5.6 vs. 21.1 points; p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Patients of the COVID-19 infection waves differed significantly according to their anthropometric data, incidence of comorbidities, and impact of the infection. All cohorts achieved clinically relevant and significant functional improvements during PR, with significant higher improvements in Wave 3 + 4. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
10 pages, 342 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Personality Traits on Patient Satisfaction after Telerehabilitation: A Comparative Study of Remote and Face-to-Face Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation during COVID-19 Lockdown
by Błażej Cieślik, Tomasz Kuligowski, Luisa Cacciante and Pawel Kiper
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5019; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20065019 - 12 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1486
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the differences in patient satisfaction between telerehabilitation and traditional face-to-face rehabilitation and to identify the impact of personality traits on patient satisfaction with the remote form of rehabilitation. Eighty participants with musculoskeletal pain were recruited for the study. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the differences in patient satisfaction between telerehabilitation and traditional face-to-face rehabilitation and to identify the impact of personality traits on patient satisfaction with the remote form of rehabilitation. Eighty participants with musculoskeletal pain were recruited for the study. The telerehabilitation group (n = 40) completed a single remote session of rehabilitation, whereas the traditional rehabilitation group (n = 40) completed a single face-to-face session. After therapy, each participant was asked to complete a tailored satisfaction survey using Google Forms. The Health Care Satisfaction Questionnaire (HCSQ) and the International Personality Item Pool-Big Five Markers-20 (IPIP-BFM-20) were used as outcome measures. Considering the results of patient satisfaction with healthcare service, there were no statistically significant differences between telerehabilitation and traditional rehabilitation groups in the total HCSQ score and its subscales. For the complete HCSQ, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion were essential predictor variables, accounting for 51% of the variance in patient satisfaction. In conclusion, there were no differences in patient satisfaction between telerehabilitation and traditional rehabilitation groups. In the telerehabilitation group, higher agreeableness levels and lower conscientiousness and extraversion level could predict patients’ satisfaction with telerehabilitation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
11 pages, 2209 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Effects of Metaverse Rehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
by Ilyoung Moon, Yeongsang An, Seunghwa Min and Chanhee Park
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1578; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20021578 - 15 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2551
Abstract
Metaverse physical therapy (MPT), an adjuvant technology for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP), has gained notoriety in the clinical field owing to its accessibility and because it provides motivation for rehabilitation. The aim is to compare the gross motor function [...] Read more.
Metaverse physical therapy (MPT), an adjuvant technology for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy (CP), has gained notoriety in the clinical field owing to its accessibility and because it provides motivation for rehabilitation. The aim is to compare the gross motor function and cardiopulmonary function, the activities of daily living, quality of life (QOL), and the perceived risk of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 transmission between MPT and conventional physical therapy (CPT). A convenience sample of 26 children with CP (mean age, 11.23 ± 3.24 years, 14 females) were randomized into either the MPT or CPT group and received therapy three days/week for four weeks. Clinical outcomes included gross-motor-function measure 66 (GMFM-66), heart rate (HR), Borg-rating perceived exertion (BRPE), functional independence measure (FIM), pediatric QOL, and the risk of COVID-19 transmission. An analysis of variance showed that compared with CPT, MPT exerted positive effects on GMFM, HR, and BRPE. An independent t-test showed that compared with CPT, MPT exerted positive effects on the perceived transmission risk of COVID-19 but not on FIM and QOL. Our results provide promising therapeutic evidence that MPT improves gross motor function, cardiopulmonary function, and the risk of COVID-19 in children with CP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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9 pages, 1201 KiB  
Article
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical Function of Community-Dwelling People with Disabilities in Japan
by Takayuki Kamimoto, Michiyuki Kawakami, Towa Morita, Yuta Miyazaki, Nanako Hijikata, Tomonori Akimoto, Masahiro Tsujikawa, Kaoru Honaga, Kanjiro Suzuki, Kunitsugu Kondo and Tetsuya Tsuji
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12599; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191912599 - 02 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1122
Abstract
In 2020, COVID-19 spread throughout the world, and international measures such as travel bans, quarantines, and increased social distancing were implemented. In Japan, the number of infected people increased, and a state of emergency was declared from 16 April to 25 May 2020. [...] Read more.
In 2020, COVID-19 spread throughout the world, and international measures such as travel bans, quarantines, and increased social distancing were implemented. In Japan, the number of infected people increased, and a state of emergency was declared from 16 April to 25 May 2020. Such a change in physical activity could lead to a decline in physical function in people with disabilities. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the impact of the pandemic on the physical function of disabled persons living in the community. Data were collected at four points in time: two points before the declaration of the state of emergency was issued and two points after the declaration period had ended. Time series data of physical function at four points in time were compared for 241 people with disabilities. The mean age was 72.39 years; 157 had stroke, 59 musculoskeletal disease, and 26 other diseases. Overall, there was a long-term decrease in walking speed (p < 0.001) and a worsening of the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) score (p < 0.001) after the period of the state of emergency. The TUG score worsened only in the group with a walking speed of 1.0 m/s or less before the state of emergency (p = 0.064), suggesting that this group was more susceptible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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22 pages, 1349 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of a Three-Week Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program for Patients after COVID-19: A Prospective Observational Study
by Markus C. Hayden, Matthias Limbach, Michael Schuler, Steffen Merkl, Gabriele Schwarzl, Katalin Jakab, Dennis Nowak and Konrad Schultz
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 9001; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18179001 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 4582
Abstract
For COVID-19 patients who remain symptomatic after the acute phase, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended. However, only a few studies have investigated the effectiveness of PR, especially considering the duration between the acute phase of COVID-19 and the onset of rehabilitation, as well [...] Read more.
For COVID-19 patients who remain symptomatic after the acute phase, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended. However, only a few studies have investigated the effectiveness of PR, especially considering the duration between the acute phase of COVID-19 and the onset of rehabilitation, as well as the initial severity. This prospective observational study evaluated the efficacy of PR in patients after COVID-19. A total of 120 still-symptomatic patients referred for PR after overcoming acute COVID-19 were asked to participate, of whom 108 (mean age 55.6 ± 10.1 years, 45.4% female) consented. The patients were assigned to three groups according to the time of referral and initial disease severity (severe acute; severe after interval; mild after interval). The primary outcome was dyspnea. Secondary outcomes included other respiratory disease symptoms, physical capacity, lung function, fatigue, quality of life (QoL), depression, and anxiety. Furthermore, patients rated the overall effectiveness of PR and their subjective change in health status. At the end of PR, we detected improvements with large effect sizes in exertional dyspnea, physical capacity, QoL, fatigue, and depression in the overall group. Other parameters changed with small to medium effect sizes. PR was effective after acute COVID-19 in all three groups analyzed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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10 pages, 896 KiB  
Article
Effectiveness of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Severe and Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Controlled Study
by Gilbert Büsching, Zhongxing Zhang, Jean-Paul Schmid, Thomas Sigrist and Ramin Khatami
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(17), 8956; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18178956 - 25 Aug 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3035
Abstract
Background: Severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients frequently need pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) after hospitalization. However, little is known about the effectiveness of PR in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We compared the performances in the six-min walk test (6MWT), chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ), and Functional [...] Read more.
Background: Severe and critically ill COVID-19 patients frequently need pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) after hospitalization. However, little is known about the effectiveness of PR in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We compared the performances in the six-min walk test (6MWT), chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ), and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) from inpatient PR between 51 COVID-19 patients and 51 other patients with common pneumonia. We used multivariate linear regression controlled for baseline values at entrance, age, sex, and cumulative illness rating scale. The odds ratios (ORs) of non-improvement/improvement in 6MWT (>30-m) and CRQ (>10-point) at discharge were compared between the two groups (Fisher’s exact test). Results: The two groups had similar improvements in 6MWT and CRQ, but the COVID-19 group achieved a 4-point higher FIM (p-value = 0.004). The OR of non-improvement/improvement in 6MWT was 0.30 (p-value = 0.13) between COVID-19 and controls; however, the odds of non-improvement in CRQ tended to be 3.02 times higher (p-value = 0.075) in COVID-19 patients. Severe and critical COVID-19 patients had similar rehabilitation outcomes. Conclusions: Inpatient PR can effectively improve physical functions and life quality in COVID-19 patients, irrespective of disease severity. Whether the relatively low gains in CRQ is an indicator of chronic disease development in COVID-19 patients needs further studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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15 pages, 1249 KiB  
Article
Intention to Take COVID-19 Vaccine as a Precondition for International Travel: Application of Extended Norm-Activation Model
by Aleksandar Radic, Bonhak Koo, Eloy Gil-Cordero, Juan Pedro Cabrera-Sánchez and Heesup Han
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(6), 3104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18063104 - 17 Mar 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4717
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat to human health, the global economy, and the social fabrics of contemporary societies as many aspects of modern everyday life, including travel and leisure, have been shattered to pieces. Hence, a COVID-19 mandatory vaccination as a [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious threat to human health, the global economy, and the social fabrics of contemporary societies as many aspects of modern everyday life, including travel and leisure, have been shattered to pieces. Hence, a COVID-19 mandatory vaccination as a precondition for international travel is being debated in many countries. Thus, the present research aimed to study the intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine as a precondition for international travel using an extended Norm-Activation Model. The study model integrates a new construct, namely mass media coverage on COVID-19 vaccination as additional predictor of intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The survey data were collected from 1221 international travelers. Structural equation modelling shows a very good fit of the final model to the data; the conceptual model based on extended Norm-Activation Model was strongly supported. Awareness of consequences related to the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ health has shown a positive effect on individuals’ ascribed responsibility to adopt emotionally driven (anticipated pride and anticipated guilt) pro-social behaviors that activate a personal norm towards altruistic and pro-mandatory vaccination-friendly behavior. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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13 pages, 800 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Severe Post-COVID-19 Patients
by Marc Spielmanns, Anna-Maria Pekacka-Egli, Sabine Schoendorf, Wolfram Windisch and Matthias Hermann
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(5), 2695; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18052695 - 07 Mar 2021
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 8699
Abstract
Background: Severe COVID-19 infection often leads to impairments requiring pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following the acute phase. Little is known about the efficacy of PR in these patients. We therefore compared post-COVID-19 patients (PG) referred to PR patients with other lung diseases (LG). Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Severe COVID-19 infection often leads to impairments requiring pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following the acute phase. Little is known about the efficacy of PR in these patients. We therefore compared post-COVID-19 patients (PG) referred to PR patients with other lung diseases (LG). Methods: 99 PG were admitted to PR. In a prospective design, the results of PG were collected and compared to the results of LG of 2019 (n = 419) according to Functional Independence Measurement (FIM), Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), 6-min walk test (6-MWT), duration of PR, and Feeling Thermometer (FT). Results: According to age, sex, and CIRS, both groups showed no significant differences. The improvements in the 6-MWT in the pre to post comparison were on average 180 (±101) meters for PG and 102 (±89) meters for LG (p < 0.001). FT showed a significant enhancement for PG of 21 (±14) points and for LG of 17 (±16) points (p < 0.039), while FIM significantly increased by 11 (±10) points in PG and 7 (±8) points in LG (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Comprehensive PR in PG is very effective according to the results in FIM, 6-MWT and FT. Therefore, we recommend PR following severe post-COVID-19 infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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Review

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7 pages, 302 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Acceptability of Art Therapy for Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
by Minh Ngoc Le Vu, Anh Linh Do, Laurent Boyer, Quy Chi Tran, Stefan Kohler, Syed Ishtiaque Ahmed, Andreea Molnar, Tung Son Vu, Nhan Trong Huynh Vo, Linh Mai Vu Nguyen, Linh Gia Vu, Vu Anh Trong Dam, Thomy Duong, Dan Linh Nguyen Do, Ngoc Minh Do, Roger S. Mclntyre, Carl Latkin, Roger Chun Man Ho and Cyrus Su Hui Ho
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11612; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191811612 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3868
Abstract
Art therapy has been widely offered to reduce symptoms of psychological disturbance. Pooled evidence about its effectiveness in epidemic contexts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been yet established. This study reviewed the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of art therapy on children [...] Read more.
Art therapy has been widely offered to reduce symptoms of psychological disturbance. Pooled evidence about its effectiveness in epidemic contexts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been yet established. This study reviewed the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of art therapy on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and past epidemics. We searched PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), and CINAHL for articles on art therapy during COVID-19. Included studies reported improvements in measures of mental health, sleep quality, and psychological well-being in children with or without disabilities in the epidemic context. Results also showed that art therapy was highly feasible and accepted by children and adolescents as well as their families during epidemics in reviewed studies. Art therapy can be effective at improving various aspects of mental health, sleep quality, and psychological well-being. More empirical evidence is needed with larger sample sizes and longer duration of interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
18 pages, 1728 KiB  
Review
Using Telehealth to Guarantee the Continuity of Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
by Elisabetta Brigo, Aki Rintala, Oyéné Kossi, Fabian Verwaest, Olivier Vanhoof, Peter Feys and Bruno Bonnechère
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10325; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191610325 - 19 Aug 2022
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3499
Abstract
COVID-19 has abruptly disrupted healthcare services; however, the continuity of rehabilitation could be guaranteed using mobile technologies. This review aims to analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of telehealth solutions proposed to guarantee the continuity of rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PubMed, Cochrane [...] Read more.
COVID-19 has abruptly disrupted healthcare services; however, the continuity of rehabilitation could be guaranteed using mobile technologies. This review aims to analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of telehealth solutions proposed to guarantee the continuity of rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PEDro databases were searched; the search was limited to randomized controlled trials, observational and explorative studies published up to 31 May 2022, assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty studies were included, for a total of 224,806 subjects: 93.1% with orthopedic complaints and 6.9% with non-orthopedic ones. The main strategies used were video and audio calls via commonly available technologies and free videoconferencing tools. Based on the current evidence, it is suggested that telerehabilitation is a feasible and effective solution, allowing the continuity of rehabilitation while reducing the risk of infection and the burden of travel. However, it is not widely used in clinical settings, and definitive conclusions cannot be currently drawn. Telerehabilitation seems a feasible and safe option to remotely deliver rehabilitation using commonly available mobile technologies, guaranteeing the continuity of care while respecting social distancing. Further research is, however, needed to strengthen and confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

12 pages, 863 KiB  
Brief Report
Feasibility of an Outpatient Training Program after COVID-19
by Martina Betschart, Spencer Rezek, Ines Unger, Swantje Beyer, David Gisi, Harriet Shannon and Cornel Sieber
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3978; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18083978 - 09 Apr 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4682
Abstract
Long-term physical consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are currently being reported. As a result, the focus is turning towards interventions that support recovery after hospitalization. To date, the feasibility of an outpatient program for people recovering from COVID-19 has not been investigated. [...] Read more.
Long-term physical consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are currently being reported. As a result, the focus is turning towards interventions that support recovery after hospitalization. To date, the feasibility of an outpatient program for people recovering from COVID-19 has not been investigated. This study presents data for a physiotherapy-led, comprehensive outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program. Patients were recruited after hospital discharge. Training consisted of twice weekly, interval-based aerobic cycle endurance (ACE) training, followed by resistance training (RT); 60–90 min per session at intensities of 50% peak work rate; education and physical activity coaching were also provided. Feasibility outcomes included: recruitment and dropout rates, number of training sessions undertaken, and tolerability for dose and training mode. Of the 65 patients discharged home during the study period, 12 were successfully enrolled onto the program. Three dropouts (25%) were reported after 11–19 sessions. Tolerability of interval-based training was 83% and 100% for exercise duration of ACE and RT, respectively; 92% for training intensity, 83% progressive increase of intensity, and 83% mode in ACE. We tentatively suggest from these preliminary findings that the PR protocol used may be both feasible, and confer benefits to a small subgroup of patients recovering from COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rehabilitation in the COVID-19 Pandemic)
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