Recommendations for the respiratory rehabilitation of hospitalized and discharged COVID-19 patients: A sistematic review

Background. Pulmonary rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients, since the beginning, has focused the attention of healthcare professionals. At the moment, we can state that a multidisciplinary collaboration and a joint action is essential in order to provide a high quality scientific evidence based support. The aim of this review is to outline respiratory rehabilitation recommendations, for COVID-19 patients, and an effective and reasonable rehabilitation model for discharged patients. Methods. The literature review was carried out from 11/02/2020 to 15/07/2020 using the following keywords: (Respiratory rehabilitation or physiotherapy) and COVID-19. The following databases were consulted: MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus and PEDro. Studies selection was performed through the PRISMA method. Studies about the physiotherapy recommendations to follow for hospitalized e non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been included. Results. The articles identified are 619, after reading the full text, 32 articles were found to be useful and relevant to the research. Currently, for patients hospitalized in serious/critical condition, it is not suggested to proceed early to pulmonary rehabilitation. In the post-acute phase, it is recommended to run a rehabilitation program of a minimum duration of six weeks which includes: aerobic exercises, strength training, balance training and respiratory training. Conclusion. Relieve dyspnea, reduce anxiety and depression are the main goals in a short-term rehabilitation program whilst the long-term objects are: better preserve the functional capacity of the patient, improve his life condition and facilitate his return to the community.