Early mobilization and physical exercise in patients with COVID-19: A narrative literature review

Veronica Lourenço Wittmer; Flavia Marini Paro; Halina Duarte; Verena Kise Capellini; Marcela Cangussu Barbalho-Moulim

doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101364

Early mobilization and physical exercise in patients with COVID-19: A narrative literature review

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2021 May:43:101364. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101364. Epub 2021 Mar 13.

Authors

Veronica Lourenço Wittmer¹, Flavia Marini Paro², Halina Duarte³, Verena Kise Capellini⁴, Marcela Cangussu Barbalho-Moulim⁵

Affiliations

¹ Department of Integrated Education on Health, Center of Health Science, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil. Electronic address: ve_lourenco@yahoo.com.br.
² Department of Integrated Education on Health, Center of Health Science, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil. Electronic address: flavia.paro@ufes.br.
³ Department of Integrated Education on Health, Center of Health Science, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil. Electronic address: halinaduarte@yahoo.com.
⁴ Department of Biosciences, Institute of Health and Society, Campus Baixada Santista, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Santos, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: verena.capellini@unifesp.br.
⁵ Department of Integrated Education on Health, Center of Health Science, Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória, ES, Brazil. Electronic address: mcbarbalhomoulim@gmail.com.

Abstract

Background: Currently, little is known about early mobilization and exercise in individuals with COVID-19.

Objective: To describe the indication and safety of early mobilization and exercises in mild to severe COVID-19 patients and to investigate the use of telerehabilitation to deliver exercise programs to these patients.

Methods: This narrative literature review was conducted performing a comprehensive search of databases.

Results: 32 articles met the established criteria and the main findings were summarized and described, including indication, contraindication and recommendation for early rehabilitation and exercises prescription.

Conclusions: The literature suggests that early mobilization and physical exercise are beneficial for individuals with COVID-19. However, much of what has been published is based on expert opinion due to a lack of randomized trials, which are needed.

Keywords: COVID-19; Early ambulation; Exercise; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation; Telerehabilitation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

COVID-19*
Early Ambulation
Exercise
Exercise Therapy
Humans
SARS-CoV-2
Telerehabilitation*