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Gołuchowska A, Balcerzak M, Lipert A. How did COVID-19 pandemic impact on healthy behaviours among Polish professionally active physiotherapists aged 20-50? BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1837. [PMID: 38982380 PMCID: PMC11234740 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the introduction of a number of changes to the health care system and the work nature of medical staff, theCOVID-19 pandemic still pose a public health challenge. The objective of the study was to characterize the health behaviours of Polish professionally active physiotherapists during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS The study included 104 Polish licensed and professionally active physiotherapists in whom health behaviours were assessed using an original questionnaire contained, among others, questions from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), available via social media platforms. RESULTS Among the physiotherapists, 34% worked directly with COVID-19 patients and 49% with those who had survived COVID-19. There were no statistically significant differences in most of the rates of physical activity undertaken by the physiotherapists surveyed (P > 0.05). Men were more likely to report taking up movement-related physical activity than women (P > 0.05). However, they spent more time sitting or lying down on a typical day (P > 0.05). The average time spent on the above-mentioned physical activities was also higher among the male participants than in the group of women (P > 0.05). There was an increase in the proportion of physiotherapists working over 40 h per week, from 29% before the pandemic to 38% during the pandemic. Statistically significant differences were observed for the products constituting the basison which of the diet of the examined physiotherapists was based (P < 0.05). The majority of the respondents reported no problems with falling asleep (p > 0.05). Stress related to the risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as concerns about the health of loved ones were more common and severe in the group of female subjects (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, the health behaviours in some physiotherapists changed. Further studies are required to assess whether physiotherapists' health behaviours returned to baseline levels or slightly improved compared to the initial results. Also, it is necessary to introduce health-promoting initiatives that would focus on physiotherapists, support their positive health behaviours and provide special recommendations helping them to maintain health during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Gołuchowska
- Department of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Pomorska Street 251, Lodz, 92-213, Poland.
| | - Marta Balcerzak
- Military-Medical Faculty, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, 90-647, Poland
| | - Anna Lipert
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, 90-752, Poland
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Szarvas Z, Fekete M, Szollosi GJ, Kup K, Horvath R, Shimizu M, Tsuhiya F, Choi HE, Wu HT, Fazekas-Pongor V, Pete KN, Cserjesi R, Bakos R, Gobel O, Gyongyosi K, Pinter R, Kolozsvari D, Kovats Z, Yabluchanskiy A, Owens CD, Ungvari Z, Tarantini S, Horvath G, Muller V, Varga JT. Optimizing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation duration for long COVID patients: an exercise physiology monitoring approach. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01179-z. [PMID: 38771423 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of prolonged symptoms after COVID infection worsens the workability and quality of life. 200 adults with long COVID syndrome were enrolled after medical, physical, and mental screening, and were divided into two groups based on their performance. The intervention group (n = 100) received supervised rehabilitation at Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University with the registration number 160/2021 between 01/APR/2021-31/DEC/2022, while an age-matched control group (n = 100) received a single check-up. To evaluate the long-term effects of the rehabilitation, the intervention group was involved in a 2- and 3-month follow-up, carrying out cardiopulmonary exercise test. Our study contributes understanding long COVID rehabilitation, emphasizing the potential benefits of structured cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing patient outcomes and well-being. Significant difference was found between intervention group and control group at baseline visit in pulmonary parameters, as forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, forced expiratory volume, transfer factor for carbon monoxide, transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide, and oxygen saturation (all p < 0.05). Our follow-up study proved that a 2-week long, patient-centered pulmonary rehabilitation program has a positive long-term effect on people with symptomatic long COVID syndrome. Our data showed significant improvement between two and three months in maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.05). Multidisciplinary, individualized approach may be a key element of a successful cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in long COVID conditions, which improves workload, quality of life, respiratory function, and status of patients with long COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Szarvas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Monika Fekete
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergo Jozsef Szollosi
- Coordination Center for Research in Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Katica Kup
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maya Shimizu
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fuko Tsuhiya
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ha Eun Choi
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Huang-Tzu Wu
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vince Fazekas-Pongor
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga Nedda Pete
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renata Cserjesi
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Regina Bakos
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Gobel
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kata Gyongyosi
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renata Pinter
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dora Kolozsvari
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Kovats
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Cameron D Owens
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Gabor Horvath
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Muller
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janos Tamas Varga
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Assylbek MI, Kocyigit BF, Yessirkepov M, Zimba O. Post-stroke rehabilitation in the peri-pandemic COVID-19 era. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:399-411. [PMID: 38253904 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-023-05520-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which arose in late 2019, caused extensive destruction, impacting a substantial proportion of the worldwide population and leading to millions of deaths. Although COVID-19 is mainly linked to respiratory and pulmonary complications, it has the potential to affect neurologic structures as well. Neurological involvement may manifest as minimal and reversible; however, a notable proportion of cases have exhibited pronounced neurological consequences, such as strokes. Endothelial inflammation, hypercoagulation, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system alterations, and cardiogenic embolism are the pathophysiological mechanisms of stroke under COVID-19 circumstances. Physical activity and exercise have improved several aspects of post-stroke recovery, including cardiovascular health, walking capacity, and upper limb strength. They are commonly used to assist stroke survivors in overcoming their motor restrictions. Furthermore, stroke rehabilitation can incorporate a range of specific techniques, including body-weight-supported treadmill applications, constraint-induced movement therapy, robotic rehabilitation interventions, transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and prism adaptation training. Under pandemic conditions, there were several barriers to neurological rehabilitation. The most significant of these were individual's fear of infection, which caused them to postpone their rehabilitation applications and rehabilitation areas being converted into COVID-19 units. The primary emphasis had turned to COVID-19 treatment. Several valuable data and views were gained in reorganizing rehabilitation during the pandemic, contributing to establishing future views in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meirgul I Assylbek
- Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, Neurosurgery and Rehabilitation, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
- Department of Social Health Insurance and Public Health, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
- Medical Center ''Mediker'', Shymkent, Kazakhstan
| | - Burhan Fatih Kocyigit
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Adana Health Practice and Research Center, University of Health Sciences, Adana, Turkey.
| | - Marlen Yessirkepov
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
| | - Olena Zimba
- Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
- National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
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Peterson BM, Unger I, Sun S, Park JY, Kim J, Gunasekera RS, Wilson J, Galbadage T. The vital role of exercise and nutrition in COVID-19 rehabilitation: synergizing strength. Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1305175. [PMID: 38143784 PMCID: PMC10748488 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1305175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global healthcare community has faced the challenge of understanding and addressing the ongoing and multi-faceted SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes. As millions of individuals worldwide continue to navigate the complexities of post-hospitalization recovery, reinfection rates, and the increasing prevalence of Long-COVID symptoms, comprehensive COVID-19 rehabilitation strategies are greatly needed. Previous studies have highlighted the potential synergy between exercise and nutrition, suggesting that their integration into patient rehabilitation programs may yield improved clinical outcomes for survivors of COVID-19. Our group aimed to consolidate existing knowledge following the implementation of patient, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) search strategies on the distinct and combined impacts of exercise and nutrition interventions in facilitating the recovery of COVID-19 patients following hospitalization, with a specific focus on their implications for both public health and clinical practice. The incorporation of targeted nutritional strategies alongside exercise-based programs may expedite patient recovery, ultimately promoting independence in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Nonetheless, an imperative for expanded scientific inquiry remains, particularly in the realm of combined interventions. This mini-review underscores the compelling prospects offered by an amalgamated approach, advocating for the seamless integration of exercise and nutrition as integral components of post-hospitalization COVID-19 rehabilitation. The pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of the synergistic effects and effectiveness of exercise and nutrition stands as a crucial objective in advancing patient care and refining recovery strategies in the wake of this enduring global health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent M. Peterson
- Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Isabelle Unger
- Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Sunny Sun
- Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Ji-Yeun Park
- Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Jinsil Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Richard S. Gunasekera
- Department of Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Jason Wilson
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
| | - Thushara Galbadage
- Department of Kinesiology and Public Health, Biola University, La Mirada, CA, United States
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von Zweck C, Naidoo D, Govender P, Ledgerd R. Current Practice in Occupational Therapy for COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Conditions. Occup Ther Int 2023; 2023:5886581. [PMID: 37250066 PMCID: PMC10219768 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5886581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The onset of the pandemic highlighted the need for a review of rehabilitation practices to ensure coordinated, effective, and efficient services for people affected by COVID-19. This paper reports on a global survey highlighting the delivery of occupational therapy services to people with COVID-19/post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) and makes recommendations to facilitate quality service delivery for this population. An online cross-sectional descriptive survey was developed and distributed to the global occupational therapy community via member organisations and communication channels of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists to collect information for this study. The survey obtained qualitative and quantitative data from respondents who were occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants regarding (i) demographic characteristics, (ii) work experience with persons with COVID-19 and PCC, (iii) modes of working, (iv) education and training, (iv) occupational therapy intervention provided to persons with COVID-19 and PCC, and (v) the perceived quality of the occupational therapy services provided. Findings indicate that respondents provided a range of occupational therapy interventions for people affected by COVID-19/PCC aligned with evidence-based practice guidelines. While respondents identified a strong role for occupational therapy and generally rated their services as effective, issues related to the accessibility of their services impacted quality and user satisfaction. The study highlighted the need to advocate for access to occupational therapy to facilitate engagement in desired and needed occupations for COVID-19 survivors. Other recommendations emerging from the findings include the need to develop, disseminate, and use research evidence for guiding services for people with COVID-19/PCC, create quality service standards, and ensure the availability of necessary resources and supports such as referral pathways and screening criteria, availability of staff, training, personal protective equipment, and assistive devices and technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. von Zweck
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Switzerland
| | - D. Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal (Westville Campus), South Africa
| | - P. Govender
- Discipline of Occupational Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu Natal (Westville Campus), South Africa
| | - R. Ledgerd
- World Federation of Occupational Therapists, Switzerland
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Gałczyk M, Zalewska A, Chlabicz S, Kopcych BE. Level of Dyspnoea in Patients with COVID-19 in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12203. [PMID: 36231504 PMCID: PMC9566104 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to assess the level of dyspnoea during the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. METHODS The online questionnaire was conducted among 204 Polish adult respondents with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. The level of dyspnoea was assessed by the modified Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnoea Scale in Polish. RESULTS Dyspnoea is most common in patients with severe COVID-19, and the prevalence of dyspnoea in the study population of patients with COVID-19 was low (34% respondents presented with dyspnoea with a score of 1 or higher). CONCLUSIONS There is a need for further investigation and close monitoring of the extent of dyspnoea in different social groups, especially in the event of a prolonged pandemic and the emergence of further waves of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gałczyk
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Łomża State University of Applied Sciences, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Łomża, Poland
| | - Anna Zalewska
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Łomża State University of Applied Sciences, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Łomża, Poland
| | - Sławomir Chlabicz
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mieszka I 4B, 15-054 Białystok, Poland
| | - Bożena Ewa Kopcych
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Łomża State University of Applied Sciences, Akademicka 14, 18-400 Łomża, Poland
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Park C, Oh W. Effects of the covid-19 pandemic on cardiopulmonary function in children with cerebral palsy: a preliminary study. J MECH MED BIOL 2022. [DOI: 10.1142/s0219519422400395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Szczegielniak J, Szczegielniak A, Łuniewski J, Bogacz K. Proprietary Model of Qualification for In-Hospital Rehabilitation after COVID-19. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10450. [PMID: 36012085 PMCID: PMC9408005 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Poland, 6,128,006 people have been diagnosed, of which 116,798 died. Patients who recovered from COVID-19 and require rehabilitation due to varied impairments should be provided an opportunity to participate in an individualized, complex rehabilitation program starting from acute care and being continued in the post-acute and long-term rehabilitation phase. It is recommended to offer out-patient and in-hospital rehabilitation procedures depending on the type and persistence of symptoms and dysfunctions. The aim of this paper is to present the qualification process of post-COVID19 patients for an in-hospital complex rehabilitation program developed on the basis of pulmonary physical therapy. METHODS The presented qualification program was developed on the basis of clinical experience of over 2000 patients participating in the pilot program of in-hospital rehabilitation launched in September 2020 and based on the Regulation of the Polish Minister of Health of 13 July 2020. RESULTS The proposed model of patients' qualification rests on well-known and validated tools for functional assessment: exercise tolerance assessment, dyspnea intensity assessment, functional fitness assessment, assessment of arterial blood saturation, lung ventilation function assessment, assessment of long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms, and patient's basic mental health condition. CONCLUSIONS The proposed qualification model for the post-COVID rehabilitation program allows us to introduce adequate qualifications followed by much needed assessment of the health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Szczegielniak
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration’s Specialist Hospital of St. John Paul II, 48-340 Głuchołazy, Poland
| | - Anna Szczegielniak
- Department of Psychoprophylaxis, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland
| | - Jacek Łuniewski
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
- Stobrawskie Medical Center in Kup, 46-082 Kup, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogacz
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Opole University of Technology, 45-758 Opole, Poland
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration’s Specialist Hospital of St. John Paul II, 48-340 Głuchołazy, Poland
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Shabat S, Meiner Z, Tsenter J, Schwartz I, Portnoy S. Correlations between Electro-Diagnostic Findings, the Severity of Initial Infection, and the Rehabilitation Outcomes among COVID-19 Patients. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020277. [PMID: 35205144 PMCID: PMC8869409 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) often have reduced muscle strength and loss of sensory function. We examined several properties of the function of the nerve located at the arm and leg of 19 COVID-19 hospitalized patients before and after their rehabilitation period. We also evaluated the severity of their illness, their gait, muscle strength, and level of disability. We isolated several factors in the function of their nerves, which can be used to predict their prognosis and rehabilitation outcomes. Our findings are important since clinicians can use examinations of nerve function at early stages of the illness in order to devise an optimal treatment plan for the patient, thereby reducing the hospitalization period and promoting patient’s independence. Abstract Patients with Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) manifest many neuromuscular complications. We evaluated the correlations between electromyography and nerve conduction measurements among COVID-19 patients and the severity of the initial infection, as well as the rehabilitation outcomes, and searched for the factors which best predict the rehabilitation outcomes. A total of 19 COVID-19 patients (16 men; mean ± SD age 59.1 ± 10.4), with WHO clinical progression scale of 6.8 ± 2.3, received rehabilitation for 3.9 ± 2.5 months. The Functional Independence Measure (FIM), the 10 m walk test, the 6 minute walk test, and grip force were collected before and after the rehabilitation period. Motor Nerve Conduction (MNC), Sensory Nerve Conduction (SNC) and electromyographic abnormalities were measured. All of the MNC measures of the median nerve correlated with the WHO clinical progression scale and duration of acute hospitalization. The MNC and SNC measures correlated with the rehabilitation duration and with FIM at discharge. The MNC distal latency of the median and the peroneal nerves and the MNC velocity of the median and tibial nerves predicted 91.6% of the variance of the motor FIM at discharge. We conclude that nerve conduction measurements, especially in COVID-19 patients with severe illness, are important in order to predict prognosis and rehabilitation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheer Shabat
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel; (S.S.); (Z.M.); (J.T.); (I.S.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9765418, Israel
| | - Zeev Meiner
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel; (S.S.); (Z.M.); (J.T.); (I.S.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9765418, Israel
| | - Jeanna Tsenter
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel; (S.S.); (Z.M.); (J.T.); (I.S.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9765418, Israel
| | - Isabella Schwartz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel; (S.S.); (Z.M.); (J.T.); (I.S.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem 9765418, Israel
| | - Sigal Portnoy
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Correspondence:
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