Lifestyle and rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic: guidance for health professionals and support for exercise and rehabilitation programs

Author(s)

Goulart, Cassia Da Luz ^[1] ; Silva, Rebeca Nunes ^[1] ; Oliveira, Murilo Rezende ^[1] ; Guizilini, Solange ^[2] ; Rocco, Isadora Salvador ^[2] ; Mendez, Vanessa Marques Ferreira ^[2] ; Bonjorno, Jose Carlos ^[3] ; Caruso, Flavia Rossi ^[1] ; Arena, Ross ^{[4, 5]} ; Borghi-Silva, Audrey ^{[1, 5]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Physiotherapy Dept, Cardiopulm Physiotherapy Lab, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Dept Human Movement Sci, Santos, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Med, Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Illinois, Coll Appl Hlth Sci, Dept Phys Therapy, Chicago, IL - USA

^[5] Hlth Living Pandem Event Protect HL Pivot Network, Chicago, IL - USA

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: EXPERT REVIEW OF ANTI-INFECTIVE THERAPY; v. 19, n. 11, p. 1385-1396, NOV 2 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious respiratory viral disease for both the general population and healthcare professionals caring for infected patients. Of particular concern is the potential for significant respiratory, cardiovascular, physical, and psychological dysfunctions. Areas covered: In this context, the current review will focus on the following areas: 1) staying physically active during the COVID-19 pandemic; 2) highlighting the importance of understanding COVID-19 mechanisms; 3) preventing infections for healthcare workers by using personal protective equipment; 4) highlighting importance of respiratory care and physical therapy during hospitalization in patients with COVID-19; and 5) facilitating referral to a rehabilitation program in patients recovering from COVID-19. Expert opinion: We recommend daily physical exercise, outdoors or at home, as physical exercise increases the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines; Patients with COVID-19 may develop severe acute respiratory syndrome, hypoxemia, diffuse alveolar damage, ACE2 reduction in the cardiovascular system and muscle weakness acquired through a prolonged hospital stay; The role of the physiotherapist in the hospital environment is of fundamental importance-early mobilization is highly recommended in severe cases of COVID-19. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/26501-1 - Study of limiting factors to physical exercise and adjunct effects to rehabilitation on cardiorespiratory disease: a multicentre approach
• Grantee: Audrey Borghi Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/03233-0 - Study of cardiorespiratory interaction and the supply of peripheral and cerebral oxygen as modulators of exercise capacity during bilevel application in the coexistence of COPD-CHF
• Grantee: Cássia da Luz Goulart
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)