Recent Advances in Chest Rehabilitation during COVID-19 Outbreak: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: The current COVID-19 pandemic has brought the entire world to a halt, resulting in illness, death, and changes in individual roles. Physical therapy and chest rehabilitation play a critical role following aftermath of pandemics. METHODS: PubMed, Google Scholar, PEDro, MEDLINE were searched for randomized controlled trials. Methodological quality was assessed independently by two authors using PEDro scale. Data for disability, chest physical functions and adverse effects were analyzed. RESULTS: A meta-analysis was not possible due to the heterogeneity of the studies included for review. After applying the studies’ inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of eight articles with 420 patients were included in the study for their detailed analysis. Two independent authors verified and screened the data, with the third author double-checked and searched for additional articles. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that chest rehabilitation approaches influence the clinical condition of people during COVID-19 outbreak resulting in improved condition stabilization and recovery, the consequent reduction in hospitalization period and improved health-related quality of life.