Scaling the Need, Benefits, and Risks Associated with COVID-19 Acute and Postacute Care Rehabilitation: A Review

Coronavirus is an RNA virus, which attacks the respiratory system causing complications including severe respiratory distress andpneumonia and many other symptoms. Recently, a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak emerged in Wuhan, which caused asignificant number of infections in China and resulted in a global pandemic. The main aim of this study is to review and summarizethe evidence regarding the supportive role of physical rehabilitation techniques in managing COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Inthis review, we also emphasize the use of rehabilitation techniques in the management of pneumonia in COVID-19-infectedpatients. Based on the evidence presented, we conclude that certain physical rehabilitation techniques and modalities could be ofgreat support in the management of COVID-19-associated pneumonia. The safety of staffand patients when applyingrehabilitation intervention requires attention. The combination of physical rehabilitation and medical treatment would result inimproved treatment outcomes, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Many rehabilitation techniques are safe and feasibleand can be easily incorporated into the management protocol of COVID-19 victims. Decisions of early rehabilitation inductionshould be based on the patient’s medical condition and tolerability