Atuação fisioterapêutica durante período de internação hospitalar em pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19: uma revisão sistemática

Abstract

A series of pneumonia cases of unknown etiology were notified to the World Health Organization by China on December 31st, 2019. Because of the fast geographical spread of the disease, on March 11th, 2020 the disease caused by Coronavirus was classified as a pandemic, and more than 115 countries have already declared cases of the infection. In order to understand and follow the literature reports about the physiotherapy role in patients diagnosed in-hospital with Covid-19, this study's main goal was to systematically review the literature on the subject, under the argument of promoting information to professionals to improve the physiotherapy action in this population. The systematic survey was conducted between July and August 2020 by using the MedLine/PubMed and LILACS (Latin America and the Caribbean countries) database, and the studies selection were made according to the endpoints described by the PRISMA method. Articles that approach physical therapy interventions for proper handling during hospitalization of patients with a COVID-19 confirmed diagnosis were included. According to the results, it is evident that the physiotherapist's role is crucial in facing Covid-19. It is clear that, even though there is a difference in the scope of the physiotherapist's performance in different countries, the techniques must consist in the prevention and treatment of respiratory complications, muscle strength maintenance and the hospitalized patient functionality. Even if each age group has its specificity, the physiotherapy techniques are similar, based mainly on the use of oxygen therapy, non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation, as well as early mobilization, and breathing exercises are essential during the treatment. Thus, it is concluded that further updates must be made as new disease treatment ways are found, as well as its consequences are discovered.