Physical Rehabilitation Therapy for Long COVID-19 Patient with Respiratory Sequelae: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background. Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection has been a global pandemic since late 2019. Clinical manifestation ranges from mild to severe. Even though most COVID-19 patients recover fully from the disease, approximately 5–10% experience prolonged symptoms for several months following the acute COVID-19 phase, defined as long COVID-19 syndrome. Rehabilitation therapy is needed for them to overcome their symptoms and improve their functional capacity. This systematic review aims to discuss rehabilitation therapy for a patient with long COVID-19 syndrome.   Method. A systematic review using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted based on PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were study about rehabilitation therapy for long COVID-19 patients. Exclusion criteria were letters to the editor, editorial or commentary reports, and studies not available in full-text and not in English or Bahasa.  Result. Nine studies are included in this systematic review consisting of two consensus statements or recommendations, one cohort retrospective study, two case studies or case reports, one review and three experimental studies. The recommended rehabilitation program pathway using a three-tier model depends on the severity of the disease. Several rehabilitation exercises for long COVID patients include cardiorespiratory rehabilitation, breathing exercise, therapeutic exercise, and even traditional Chinese fitness models such as Liuzijue exercise.     Conclusion. Rehabilitation therapy exercise helps to improve the patient's breathing effort, improving dyspnea and muscle strength.  Keywords: long COVID-19 syndrome, physical rehabilitation, post-COVID-19 infection, rehabilitation therapy