Disclosures: Caitlyn Anderson, PT, DPT, NCS, GCS: No financial relationships or conflicts of interest

Objective: Emerging from China in 2019, COVID-19 spread rapidly around the world. Despite studies outlining major effects on the cardiovascular (CV) system, no studies pertain specifically physical therapy (PT) management of the CV system. PT plays a vital role within the interdisciplinary (ID) team to improve recovery, decrease hospital readmission, and prevent secondary complications. This scoping review aimed to identify gaps in research related to COVID-19 complications and the CV system.

Design: Two electronic database searches were conducted to gather the studies between October 2019 and February 2021. Databases included LitCovid, PubMed, Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were limited to studies that linked Covid-19 with the CV system. Given the novelty of the virus, all publications were included rendering 222 results. Publications evaluating PT modalities for CV complications were limited to original research rendering 348 results.Setting : N/AParticipants : N/A

Interventions: N/A

Main Outcome Measures: N/A

Results: COVID-19 can lead to thrombosis, myocarditis, myocardial infarction, structural damage, ventricular dysfunction, among other CV sequelae. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and heart disease are associated with poor outcomes and increased hospitalizations. Although time has provided insight into medical tx for Covid-19 tx including proning, use of specific medications, and plasmapheresis, PT practice remains largely unknown. Conventional PT tx is indisputably beneficial; however, given the pathophysiology of COVID-19 with hyperinflammatory state, it may require modification. Early mobilization and moderate to high intensity exercise may be detrimental in acute to subacute stages. Exercise testing may be indicated long term.Conclusions: COVID-19 can cause complications significantly affecting morbidity and mortality. PTs have demonstrated expertise with initiation of proning and mobilization on ECMO devices throughout the pandemic. The rehabilitation of these patients will occur from the ICU to outpatient environments. The ID team must take viral pathophysiology into account to avoid exacerbation of symptoms and promote safe mobility. Further research is warranted to guide clinical practice and formulate objective recommendations.

Level of Evidence: Level II

« Back to AAPM&R Annual Assembly 2021

PM&R Meeting Abstracts - https://pmrjabstracts.org/abstract/a-scoping-review-of-the-unique-role-of-physical-therapy-in-cardiovascular-covid-19-management/