Physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of adult patients with covid-19 disease in hospital environment: a systematic review

Since the start of the Covid-19 disease pandemic until August 20, 2021, approximately 210 million infected individuals worldwide have been reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), including more than 4.4 million deaths. In Brazil, more than 21 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded, with approximately 580 thousand deaths reported to the WHO. In general, the elderly and people with comorbidities are at higher risk of developing severe disease. The role of the physiotherapist is necessary at all stages of hospital care. Objective: To present and evaluate the effectiveness of physical therapy procedures used in the treatment of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: Literature review, registered in the OSF Registry, with DOI registration 10.17605/OSF.IO/UE5YX, available at https://osf.io/ue5yx. The application of physical therapy procedures in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 in a hospital environment was reviewed. Data were collected by two independent reviewers, from March 1st to July 31st, 2021, through databases such as: Pubmed, VHL Regional Portal and Scielo according to the PRISMA recommendation (Main Items for Reporting Systematic Reviews and Meta -analyses). The search terms included the descriptors in English: (patients with COVID-19) OR (Infections à SARS-CoV-2 ARDS) OR (confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19) OR (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) OR (patients with SARS-CoV-2 ARDS) OR (Betacoronavirus) AND (physiotherapy) OR (physical therapy resources) OR (Physical Therapy Modalities). In the end, 6 scientific productions were selected. Results: Several authors recommend that, with clinical feasibility and human and technical resources available, prone positioning, mobilization and/or early therapeutic exercises be applied to patients with COVID-19 to reduce the deleterious effects of the disease on neuro-muscle function. skeletal, cardiopulmonary and functionality. Conclusion: We can conclude that there is still no specific guidance in the physical therapy treatment of COVID-19. However, the use of the prone position, exercises for rehabilitation of the motor and respiratory function in critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation, are being considered promising in the management of complicationsand prevention of the disease's sequelae.