Application of the WHODAS 2,0 in assessing the effectiveness of Pulsed Magnetic Field low-frequency magnetotherapy in patients with viral pneumonia associated with COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Pneumonia associated by the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 is leads to dysfunctions of the respiratory system, higher mental functions, functions of the cardiovascular system and, unfortunately, possible disability. The World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0) is a practical, generic assessment instrument that can measure health and disability at population level or in clinical practice (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2010). Objective(s) To assess the effectiveness of the use of lowfrequency magnetotherapy in the complex medical rehabilitation of patients who have had pneumonia in the phase of convalescence according to the WHODAS 2.0. Material(s) and Method(s) The study included 90 patients with pneumonia associated with COVID-19, mean age 60.3 +/- 5.8 years. Group 1 (main) (n = 45) received pulsed low-frequency magnetic field magnetotherapy with the BTL 4920 device daily for 15 minutes, for a course of 15 treatments, on a standard treatment background for 10 days at the beginning of the illness. The second (control) group consisted of 45 patients who did not receive Pulsed Magnetic Field lowfrequency magnetotherapy with the BTL 4920 device . For each patient, the severity of the initial manifestations of respiratory failure was assessed using the mMRC (shortness of breath) and Borg scales, spirometry findings, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and WHODAS 2.0. Results and discussion: In 43 % (20 people) of patients of the 1th group, an improvement in respiration functions was noted with lung auscultation and with spirometry, an increase in the vital capacity of the lungs by 28.2 %, an increase in chest excursion by 53.1 % a decrease in the level of shortness of breath by 50 % and Borg by 33.3 %. In the 1st group of patients, WHODAS 2. 0, which reflects the level of functioning in six domains of life, showed improvements cognition - understanding and communication in 45 % of patients;mobility - moving and handling in 87 % of patients;self-care - hygiene, dressing, eating and staying in 87 % of patients;getting along - interacting with other people in 45 % of patients;life activities - home duties, leisure, work and school in 100 % of patients;participation - involvement in community activities, participation in society in 100 % of patients. In group 1, a reduction in the length of stay on the sick list of 3.4 +/- 0.2 days was observed.In the 1st group a decrease in the duration of being on the sick list was observed for 3.4 +/- 0.2 days. Conclusion(s) The inclusion of Pulsed Magnetic Field lowfrequency magnetic therapy in the complex rehabilitation of patients who have suffered pneumonia associated by COVID-19 contributes to improving the function of external respiration of patients, regression of residual infiltrative changes in the lungs after pneumonia, relief of residual manifestations of the inflammatory process, reducing the duration of the rehabilitation period and the duration of disability, improving the general well-being of patients, increasing tolerance to physical exertion, normalization of the psycho-emotional state and, as a result, restoring activity in everyday life and improving the quality of life of patients. The researchers did not register any side effects and side effects of magnetic therapy..