Using Telehealth to Guarantee the Continuity of Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

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 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.