CLINICAL EVIDENCE OF RESPIRATORY PHYSIOTHERAPY IN THE FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY OF POST-COVID-19 PATIENTS: A LITERATURE REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/levv12n30-021Keywords:
Respiratory Physiotherapy, COVID-19, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Telerehabilitation, Respiratory Muscle TrainingAbstract
This study aimed to analyze the available clinical evidence on respiratory physiotherapy in the functional recovery of post-COVID-19 patients, through an integrative literature review. Publications between 2020 and 2021 were selected, including systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized controlled trials. The results indicate that respiratory physiotherapy provides consistent benefits in pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life, particularly in reducing dyspnea and fatigue. Structured interventions, such as multicomponent rehabilitation programs and respiratory muscle training, showed proven effectiveness, although methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes were identified as limitations in some studies. In addition to face-to-face approaches, home-based and telerehabilitation strategies emerged as safe and feasible alternatives, expanding access to different patient profiles. Positive effects on psychological dimensions were also observed, highlighting the biopsychosocial contribution of the intervention. It is concluded that respiratory physiotherapy represents an essential resource for post-COVID-19 rehabilitation, and should be incorporated into clinical protocols and public health policies, while further multicenter research is recommended to consolidate standardized and sustainable practices.
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