Effectiveness of rehabilitation measures at Covid-19: New findings and outlook

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A systematic overview shows uncertain evidence of rehabilitation at Covid-19. Prone positioning and yoga could help, but more research is necessary. #COVID19 #Rehabilitation #wissenschaft
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Research examines the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures for adults who are suffering from Covid-19 or suffer from post-covid-19 states (PCC). The aim is to find out which treatments can help to alleviate symptoms and support recovery.

According to the study analysis, there are some evidence that certain rehabilitation methods could have positive effects. The so-called "prone positioning", in which patients are turned onto the stomach while lying down, can improve the vital functions of seriously ill covid 19 patients from the intensive care unit after their release. Various exercises such as Qigong as well as techniques such as the "Twist and Raise" Gehechnik seem to reduce breath shortage and weakness in patients with different severity degrees of covid-19 and PCC.

The role of yoga, naturopathic processes and meditation tasks such as Mandala painting, which seem to reduce both anxiety and depression in mild to moderate covid-19 cases, are particularly interesting. However, research recommends further high -quality studies to confirm the effectiveness of these methods more safely.

Possible future developments:

If future research results confirm the previously unsure information, the treatment standards for COVID-19 and PCC could change significantly. The integration of holistic and alternative therapy approaches could then become the standard in the rehabilitation of COVID 19 patients.

basic terms and concepts:

  • rehabilitation measures: treatment methods that aim to support the recovery of patients after illnesses or injuries.
  • Post-Covid-19 state (PCC): Sustainable symptoms or health problems that people experience after a Covid 19 infection.
  • randomized controlled studies (RCTS): studies in which participants are divided into one of several treatment groups in order to compare the effectiveness of treatments.
  • Non-randomized studies of interventions (NRSI): Studies that examine interventions in which the assignment to treatment groups has not been taken.
  • meta analysis: A statistical method in which data from several studies are summarized in order to provide a general overview of research on a specific topic.
  • pulmonary rehabilitation: therapy form that aims to improve the lung function and reduce breathing shortage.

abbreviations:

  • md: medium difference (Mean Difference)
  • ci: confidence interval (Confidence interval)
  • rcts: randomized controlled studies
  • nrsi: non-randomized studies of interventions
  • FEV1: forced expiratory volume in the first second
  • fvc: forced vital capacity
  • PCC: Post-Covid-19 state
  • icu: intensive care unit (intensive care unit)

unclear evidence of the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation in mild covid-19 and PCC

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures for adults with COVID-19 and Post-Covid-19 conditions (PCC) in all environments. Despite extensive data analysis, the evidence of the effectiveness of specific rehabilitation measures remains unsafe.

Study methodology

  • goal: assessment of the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures for Covid-19 and PCC.
  • data sources: The search was carried out via PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, Scopus, Web of Science and Physiotherapy Evidence Database by December 31, 2021. Registration in Prospero: CRD42021258553.
  • study selection: included randomized controlled studies (RCTS) and non-randomized intervention studies (NRSI) in accordance with the criteria of the University of Alberta Evidence-Based Practice Center.
  • data extraction: An author extracted the data using a predefined Excel form.

Results of data analysis

  • The meta -analysis shows unsafe evidence for the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation and self -carried out activities on the following parameters:
    • performance: MD 65.06, 95% CI 42.87 to 87.25
    • respiratory function:
      • FEV1: MD 0.16, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.28
      • FEV1/FVC: MD 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09
      • FVC: MD 0.19, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.42
    • fear: Md -12.03, 95% CI -21.16 to -2.90
  • presented narrative synthesis:
    • prone positioning: Improvements of vital parameters in severe covid-19 patients after intensive care.
    • qigong and battery: reduction of dyspnea and weakness in all severity degrees of Covid-19 and PCC.
    • Functional electrical stimulation: supports faster recovery in moderate Covid-19 Post-ICU.
    • yoga and naturopathy: Reduction of fear and depression in medium and mild covid-19.

conclusions

The evidence for the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on performance and respiratory function in patients with mild covid-19 and PCC remains very insecure. Further high-quality studies are required to support the role of rehabilitation in coping with Covid-19.

For further information on this study see: https://pubmed.nlm.nih.gov/37802177 .