THE POSSIBILITIES OF IMPACT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH POST-COVID SYMPTOMS. (RE)START FOR MIND AND BODY

Abstract

The coronavirus leaves a lasting mark on health – in one way or another. Dealing with negative health
effects, both physical and mental, presents a solid challenge for physiotherapy, rehabilitation and kinesitherapy
professionals. As the natural course and pathophysiology of COVID-19 are not yet clear, close monitoring is needed
for various sequelae in multiple organs that occur in post-COVID-19 syndrome [1]. The Covid infection affects the
cardiovascular system, the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system and, with particular gravity, the respiratory
system. The literature review presents the results of multiple observations of patients who recovered from COVID-
19[1,3]. The most common symptoms are: general weakness, impaired cognitive functions, memory loss,
depression, anosmia, dysgeusia, shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, less often - alopecia, skin rashes , and others [3.6]. Studies show that the elderly, people with disorders of
the cardiorespiratory system, people suffering from diabetes or obesity, in a large percentage of cases develop severe
forms of the disease [4,7]. It is extremely important to develop rehabilitation programs for these patients so that they
can regain their physical strength and respiratory function and avoid the development of anxiety and depression.
Despite the many works concerning the problem of physical recovery, psychoemotional rehabilitation seems to
remain in the background. An often underestimated problem that needs to be given a lot of attention is the negative
impact on the psycho-emotional state of the people. Immobilization resulting from reduced motor activity caused by
the virus and/or self-isolation requires an eclectic rehabilitation program to improve quality of life. Many patients
who have passed the covid-infection have residual symptoms that last more than six months. Evidence suggests that
COVID-19 may have direct and indirect health effects, both in the short and long term [5,8]. POST- COVID-19
syndrome is defined as persistent symptoms and/or long-term complications that occur during or after corona
infection, persist for more than 12 weeks, and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis [6,8]. It is proposed to
distinguish between the post-COVID syndrome, developed after acute COVID-19 that lasts up to 12 weeks, and a
prolonged variant of post-COVID clinical symptoms that last longer than 12 weeks, which should be distinguished
from lingering COVID-19, its complications, and the consequences of intensive care [2]. Doctors who work on the
subject are adamant that not enough attention is paid to the long-term consequences of the virus. It is necessary to
improve not only the studies on the stages of the development of the disease, but also to give specific guidelines for
the medical and rehabilitation care to be given to the victims [5]. Kinesitherapy finds very important role in the
recovery process in post-covid patients, as a main tool for the prevention and rehabilitation of the damage caused by
the virus in a functional and psycho-emotional aspect. Physiotherapy thanks to its eclecticism, has a complex effect
on patients, and group activities have a proven psycho-emotional, toning effect which is a great combination for full
recovery.