Changing the approach to rehabilitation exercise during the COVID-19 pandemic: A brief review

Abstract

Background: It is necessary to design a comprehensive rehabilitation program after high-grade systemic inflammation caused by the coronavirus, followed by a long rest and quarantine. In addition, pandemic quarantine has led to a lack of access to rehabilitation clinics and sports clubs. However, integrated information on how to implement a rehabilitation program in pandemic conditions is not yet available. Objectives: We aimed to investigate clinical trials regarding exercise rehabilitation related to Covid-19 in PubMed. Methods: The keywords (Covid-19 and exercise rehabilitation) were examined in PubMed electronic database until 11 August 2021, and 707 articles were found. Results: Twenty-nine clinical trial articles were found, and one unrelated article was deleted. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining the physiological and psychological health of health care workers. Most of the programs implemented include home-based rehabilitation (HBR) through web-based rehabilitation [WBR]. The multiplicity and variety of existing programs are not enough to cover all groups in society, including the healthy and sick ones. No problems have been reported for healthy people during strenuous exercise when wearing a surgical or cloth mask Conclusions: In addition to conventional therapies and modern rehabilitation techniques, virtual rehabilitation learning through WBR is expanding [due to the quarantine conditions of patients and the closure of sports and clinical centers] with positive physiological and psychological effects.