Rehabilitation strategies and neurological consequences in patients with COVID-19: part I

Abstract

Background

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered a devastating effect worldwide. In addition to cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal deconditioning, reports of neurological consequences (e.g. stroke, critical illness polyneuropathy, myopathy, vertigo, headaches, facial palsy, and delirium) are growing increasingly common.

Objectives

Part I of this review of rehabilitation strategies and neurological consequences in patients with COVID-19 sought to consider potential rehabilitation strategies for managing the emerging neurological consequences of COVID-19.

Methods

An exploratory review was conducted that comprised a narrative synthesis in two parts. Part I focused on neurological consequences and physiotherapy and rehabilitation approaches. Part II focused on the general principles of rehabilitation interventions and precautions that should be considered. Literature on the use of the neurorehabilitation approaches was also included in the review.

Results

Rehabilitation services include inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. With respect to the recovery of mobility and function, an interdisciplinary approach was generally involved.

Conclusions

A thorough assessment and the development of an individualized, progressive treatment and rehabilitation plan should be implemented by focusing on existing function, any disabilities, the desire to return to participation in society, and maximizing function and quality of life. It should be noted that neurorehabilitation should not be delayed and be completed for all patients with COVID-19 of all levels in need.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• neurological consequences
• physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• neurorehabilitation
• exercise
• telerehabilitation

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank CAMBRIDGE Proofreading & Editing LLC and Taylor & Francis Editing Services for English language and academic editing.

Associated grant projects

There is no associated grant project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Financial disclosure

None.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nilufer Cetisli-Korkmaz

Nilufer CETISLI-KORKMAZ, PT.PhD.Prof. She is experienced in neurological rehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation, technology and electrophysical agents in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, and has publications in prestigious journals. [email protected]

Furkan Bilek

Furkan BILEK, PT.MSc.Lecturer He continues his studies in the fields of neurological rehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation and cardiopulmonary. His area of interest is physiotherapy and rehabilitation in Multiple Sclerosis. [email protected]

Tuba Can-Akman

Tuba CAN-AKMAN, PT.PhD.Lecturer She is interested in adult neurological rehabilitation such as multiple sclerosis, polyneuropathy and burden of care. [email protected]

Emre Baskan

Emre BASKAN, PT.PhD.Lecturer He is interested in neurological rehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation and sports in individuals with disabilities. [email protected]

Ilke Keser

Ilke KESER, PT.PhD.Prof. Special interest areas are neurological rehabilitation, oncological rehabilitation, lymphedema rehabilitation and geriatric rehabilitation. [email protected]

Esra Dogru-Huzmeli

Esra DOGRU-HUZMELI, PT.PhD.Assoc.Prof. She is working in patients with Parkinson's Disease, stroke and multiple sclerosis. Her last publications about effect of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients. She has many publications in prestigious journals. [email protected]

Mehmet Duray

Mehmet DURAY, PT.PhD.Lecturer His special interests were neurological rehabilitation, geriatric rehabilitation, pain management, and pediatric rehabilitation. [email protected]

Bahar Aras

Bahar ARAS, PT.PhD.Lecturer She continues her studies as a teaching fellow in the fields of neurological rehabilitation and pediatric rehabilitation. [email protected]

Buse Kilinc

Buse KILINC, PT. Her research interests were physiotherapy and rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation and diabetes mellitus. [email protected]