A 14-Day Therapeutic Exercise Telerehabilitation Protocol of Physiotherapy Is Effective in Non-Hospitalized Post-COVID-19 Conditions: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The emergence of COVID-19 has led to serious public health problems. Now that the acute phase of the pandemic has passed, new challenges have arisen in relation to this disease. The post-COVID-19 conditions are a priority for intervention, as months after the onset of the disease, they continue to present symptoms, especially physical and respiratory symptoms. Our aim is to test the efficacy of a fourteen-day telerehabilitation program of respiratory and strength exercises in people with post-COVID-19 conditions. For this purpose, a randomized controlled trial was generated in which data from 48 patients were analyzed using the BS, 30STSTST, MD12, VAFS, and 6MWT tests. The obtained results showed the benefit of the intervention in generating great results with respect to the control group.

Therapeutic Exercise Interventions through Telerehabilitation in Patients with Post COVID-19 Symptoms: A Systematic Review.

The worldwide incidence of COVID-19 has generated a pandemic of sequelae. These sequelae require multidisciplinary rehabilitative work to address the multisystemic symptoms that patients will present with now and in the future. The aim of the present systematic review is to analyze the current situation of telerehabilitation in patients with COVID-19 sequelae and its effectiveness. Searches were conducted on the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science (WOS). There was no complete homogeneity among the five selected articles, so we differentiated two clinical subgroups for the clustering of outcome measures: (group one) patients with post-discharge symptoms and (group two) patients with permanent symptoms or "long COVID-19" defined as persistent symptoms > 2 months. For group one, post-discharge sequelae, improvements were obtained in cardiovascular parameters, and physical test studies in group two presented very favorable results in all the cardiorespiratory measures and physical tests evaluated. Telerehabilitation through therapeutic exercise based on mixed protocols of aerobic, respiratory, and low-load strength exercises appear to be an effective and safe strategy for the recovery of short- and long-term post-COVID-19 sequelae.

Spanish Validation of the PALMS (Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale).

Although there is abundant evidence supporting an active lifestyle, it is necessary to promote the practice of physical activity among the population. To understand this phenomenon, several studies have been conducted to describe the reasons why people participate in sports activities. The PALMS (Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale) was created as a comprehensive tool to measure the reasons for practicing sports. This tool consists of 40 items related to sports and is designed for the young and adult population. Each of the subscales is formed of five items (mastery, enjoyment, psychological condition, physical condition, appearance, the expectations of others, affiliation, competition/ego) that reflect the possible reasons for practicing sports. This study sought to validate the PALMS in the cultural context of Spain, for the type of population for which it is designed. In total, 596 voluntary participants completed the study from Spain, aged 18 to 53, who regularly practice sports. The adequacy of the model obtained in the exploratory study was confirmed, since a model composed of eight factors and 40 indicators in total was obtained. The parameters were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and the factor loadings presented values greater than 0.5. Regarding internal consistency, the values of Cronbach's alpha and those of the composite reliability were above 0.8. In conclusion, the validation of the Spanish PALMS proved to be a valid and reliable measurement instrument for the evaluation of the reasons that lead the population to perform sports physical activity.

Effects of Foam Rolling vs. Manual Therapy in Patients with Tension-Type Headache: A Randomized Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: This study compares the effect of foam rolling (FR) vs. manual therapy (MT) on pain, pressure pain threshold (PPT), headache disability (HDI) and impact of headache (HIT-6) in patients with tension-type headache (TTH). METHODS: A total of 38 participants with TTH were randomly assigned to an FR group (FRG, n = 13), an MT group (MTG, n = 13) or a control group (CG, n = 12). FRG received FR treatment; MTG received MT techniques; CG received a placebo treatment. The treatment lasted one month. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and follow-up. RESULTS: Both FRG and MTG showed significant improvements in all variables after the treatment, but the intervention effect was maintained only for functional disability (p = 0.002 and p = 0.005, respectively), overall disability (p = 0.007; p = 0.030) and HIT-6 (p = 0.002; p = 0.001) at follow-up. After treatment, FRG and MTG presented a significantly higher PPT in right (p = 0.044; p = 0.009) and left suboccipital (p = 0.004; p = 0.021). MTG showed a significantly lower HIT-6 than CG (p = 0.008). No differences between FRG and MTG were found in any variable. CONCLUSIONS: Both FR and MT are effective treatments for the improvement of clinical symptoms in TTH. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings in a larger population.

Breathing exercises versus strength exercises through telerehabilitation in coronavirus disease 2019 patients in the acute phase: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two different exercise-based programs through telerehabilitation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, parallel, double-blinded, three-arm clinical trial. SETTING: Patients' homes through telerehabilitation devices. SUBJECTS: Subjects with coronavirus disease 2019 in the acute phase. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were divided into three groups: breathing exercises group, strength exercises group or no treatment/control group. MAIN MEASURES: We analysed visual analogue scale for fatigue, 6-minute walking test, 30-seconds sit-to-stand test, multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire and Borg scale at baseline and 14 days later. RESULTS: From 93 subjects recruited, 88 were enrolled, and 77 patients (mean [SD] age 39.40 [11.71]) completed the 14-days intervention and were included in the analysis: 26 in strength exercises group, 29 in breathing exercises group and 22 in control group. The intergroup analysis shows significant differences between the study groups and control group in all variables (p < 0.05); Borg scale, multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire (pre-post intervention score: strength exercises group: 7.85 [6.82] - 4.54[4.82], breathing exercises group: 11.04 [6.49] - 5.32 [3.63], control group: 10.27 [6.49] - 10.59[6.58]), visual analogue scale for fatigue, 6-minute walking test and 30-seconds sit-to-stand test (pre-post intervention score: strength exercises group: 12.19 [4.42] - 13.58 [5.37], breathing exercises group: 11.18 [3.42] - 12.79 [4.00], control group: 10.45 [2.15] - 9.86[1.88]). The greatest effect sizes were found in the variables Borg Scale (R2 = 0.548) and multidimensional dyspnoea-12 questionnaire (R2 = 0.475). CONCLUSIONS: Strength exercises group and breathing exercises group obtained significant improvements in fatigue, dyspnoea, perceived effort, and physical state, compared to control group, although the greatest benefits were found for dyspnoea and aerobic capacity in breathing exercises group.

Vojta Therapy in Neuromotor Development of Pediatrics Patients with Periventricular Leukomalacia: Case Series.

Background and Objectives: Vojta therapy is used by physiotherapists and is based on stimulation through peripheral pressure that leads to the activation of involuntary motor response patterns, thus triggering patterns of reflex locomotion, hence also called reflex locomotion therapy. Objective: To analyze the changes produced by Vojta therapy in the evolution of infant motor development in patients with maturational delay due to periventricular leukomalacia. Materials and methods: One session of Vojta Therapy per week for eleven months, patients' neuromotor development was evaluated through the Denver II Test and the Baleys Scale. Results: A clinically significant increase in the development of the patients is observed. Conclusions: Neuromotor development seems to generate an adequate progression in the motor area.

Perspectives and Attitudes of Patients with COVID-19 toward a Telerehabilitation Programme: A Qualitative Study.

The total isolation of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires non-face-to-face medical assistance. There is evidence of the efficacy of home treatments with exercises in patients with respiratory disorders which could become the therapeutic method of choice for the treatment and supervision of patients isolated due to infection during home confinement. This study's objective was to analyse the experience and opinions of isolated patients with COVID-19 included in a programme of telerehabilitation exercises for 14 days and it is intended to reflect, from a qualitative point of view, the viability and usefulness of telerehabilitation tools in the management of these patients. Twenty-five participants of a telerehabilitation programme were interviewed by telephone through semi-structured interviews, following a positivist and objective model. The data were categorised and analysed through NVIVO qualitative analysis software. The information obtained was classified into four main topics (telerehabilitation programme, perception of clinical benefit, psychological aspects and level of health care) and six subtopics (technical aspects, communication, improvement aspects, exercise plan, motivation and applicability to public health systems). The telerehabilitation programme established in patients confined by COVID-19 is very well received, without considerable technical difficulties and generates physical and psychological improvements. Patients highlight the importance of applying this type of programme in public health systems.

Short-Term Effects of a Conditioning Telerehabilitation Program in Confined Patients Affected by COVID-19 in the Acute Phase. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background and objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has become a challenge for health systems and, specifically, to physical therapists obligated to adapt their job and stop face-to-face consultations. In this situation, therapeutic exercise has been implemented in different COVID-19 patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel therapeutic exercise program through telerehabilitation tools in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptomatology in the acute stage. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 subjects were randomized an experimental group, based on muscle conditioning, and in a control group, who did not perform physical activity. Thirty-six subjects, 18 in each group, completed the one-week intervention. We measured the six-minute walking test, multidimensional dyspnoea-12, thirty seconds sit-to-stand test, and Borg Scale. Results: Both groups were comparable at baseline. Statistically significant improvement between groups (p < 0.05) in favor of the experimental group was obtained. No differences between gender were found (p > 0.05). Ninety percent adherence was found in our program. Conclusion: A one-week telerehabilitation program based on muscle toning exercise is effective, safe, and feasible in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptomatology in the acute stage.

Short-Term Effects of a Respiratory Telerehabilitation Program in Confined COVID-19 Patients in the Acute Phase: A Pilot Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused distress for healthcare providers due to the respiratory problems it causes, among others. In this situation, rehabilitation of the respiratory system has been suggested and implemented in different COVID-19 patients. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of a novel program based on breathing exercises through telerehabilitation tools in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptomatology in the acute stage. Forty subjects were randomized in an experimental group, based on pulmonary rehabilitation, and in a control group, of which the subjects did not perform physical activity. Thirty-eight subjects, with nineteen in each group, completed the one-week intervention. We performed measurements using the Six-Minute Walk Test, Multidimensional Dyspnoea-12, Thirty-Second Sit-To-Stand Test, and Borg Scale. Both groups were comparable at baseline. Significant differences were found for all of the outcome measures in favour of the experimental group. Ninety percent adherence was found in our program. A one-week telerehabilitation program based on respiratory exercises is effective, safe, and feasible in COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptomatology in the acute stage.

Could Physical Therapy Interventions Be Adopted in the Management of Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19? A Scoping Review.

As part of COVID-19 consequences, it has been estimated that 5% of patients affected by this disease will require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and physical therapy techniques have been implemented in patients with other conditions admitted to ICU. The aim of the present study is to summarize all the available information about the implementation of physical therapy management in critically ill patients. From three clinical guidelines already published, we performed a search in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and CINAHL, including systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and randomized controlled trials, among others. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Quality assessment was developed through the AMSTAR-2 tool and PEDro Scale. A narrative synthesis was performed and 29 studies were included. The information extracted has been classified into four folders: ICU environment in COVID-19 (security aspects and management of the patient), respiratory physiotherapy (general indications and contraindications, spontaneously breathing and mechanically ventilated patient approaches), positional treatment, and exercise therapy (safety aspects and progression). The implementation of physiotherapy in patients affected with COVID-19 admitted to the ICU is a necessary strategy that prevents complications and contributes to the stabilization of patients in critical periods, facilitating their recovery.

Effect of Combined Manual Therapy and Therapeutic Exercise Protocols on the Postural Stability of Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain. A Secondary Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.

Postural stability is a little-studied factor in non-specific chronic neck pain; the causes that can alter it are unknown. The relationship with chronic pain could be a determining factor for its deficit. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between sustained pain and a postural stability deficit. A randomized and blinded clinical trial (double-blind; placebo control; 12 weeks follow-up) was conducted with a total of 69 subjects divided into three groups, two experimental (manual therapy and specific exercise) and a control treatment, and carried out over a treatment period of three weeks with a follow-up after 12 weeks. Their postural stability was assessed through the overall balance index (OBI). The postural stability of subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain improved in the experimental treatments. There were no statistically significant differences between the experimental groups. This trial found that manual therapy and therapeutic exercise significantly improved OBI compared to the control group. Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry, RBR-2vj7sw.

Manual therapy versus therapeutic exercise in non-specific chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonspecific chronic neck pain is a fairly common disorder that causes a great impact, and it is greatly influenced by psychosocial factors. Among a number of treatment modalities described for its management, the most common approach is based on manual therapy and specific therapeutic exercise, which have shown a moderate effect on subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain. However, the effect times of these treatments have not been accurately detailed. Our study aims to break down and compare the effects of two experimental treatments based on manual therapy and therapeutic exercise. METHODS: The short-term and mid-term changes produced by different therapies on subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain were studied. The sample was randomized divided into three groups: manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and placebo. As dependent variables of our research, we studied (a) pain, based on the visual analog scale and the pressure pain threshold, and (b) cervical disability, through the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Outcomes were registered on week 1, week 4, and week 12. The findings were analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences (P 0.05) were obtained between the experimental groups, if they exist against the control group. Nonetheless, we found that manual therapy improved perceived pain before than therapeutic exercise, while therapeutic exercise reduced cervical disability before than manual therapy. Effect size (R2) shows medium and large effects for both experimental treatments. CONCLUSION: There are no differences between groups in short and medium terms. Manual therapy achieves a faster reduction in pain perception than therapeutic exercise. Therapeutic exercise reduces disability faster than manual therapy. Clinical improvement could potentially be influenced by central processes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry, RBR-2vj7sw. Registered on 28 November 2018.

Therapeutic pulmonary telerehabilitation protocol for patients affected by COVID-19, confined to their homes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In December 2019, 27 cases of pneumonia, of unknown cause, were identified in the province of Hubei (China). The WHO declared the situation as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and it was finally declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. The Spanish Government obliges the entire population to remain confined to their homes, with the exception of essential basic services, to stop the spread of COVID-19. Home isolation implies a notable physical deconditioning. Telerehabilitation methods have reported positive experiences, and we propose to study in affected patients of COVID-19, due to the general house confinement of the entire Spanish population. METHODS: Patients will be recruited in the regions of Andalusia, Murcia, and Valencia (Spain). Patients will remain confined to their homes, and there, they will carry out their assigned exercise program, which will be controlled telematically. Evaluators will attend to carry out all measurements at the beginning, during, and end of the study, telematically controlled. The patients will be randomly divided into three groups, two of them will perform a home exercise program (breathing exercises or non-specific exercises for muscle toning) and the third group will perform sedentary activities, using mental activation techniques, and will act as a sham group. We will evaluate respiratory variables and other variables of the physical state through physical tests, effort, and perceived fatigue. The data will be statistically analyzed, and the hypotheses will be tested between the groups, using the SPSS software, v.24, considering a 95% confidence interval. DISCUSSION: We will analyze the results, in terms of the level of fatigue and perceived exertion, physical health, and maintenance of respiratory activity of two types of exercise programs, toning and respiratory, applied in patients affected by COVID-19 during the period of home confinement. We intend to investigate a field not previously studied, such as the repercussion of carrying out a toning and respiratory exercise program in these patients, in historical circumstances that no one had previously observed in Spain, since the general population has never been forced to remain confined in their homes, due to a pandemic infection, by a coronavirus (COVID-19). Observing the effects that these two home exercise programs could produce in patients infected with COVID-19, we will try to better analyze and understand the mechanisms that are associated with the worsening of breathing in this type of patient. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry RBR-6m69fc . Registered on March 31, 2020.

Manual therapy versus therapeutic exercise in non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The underlying mechanisms of non-specific chronic neck pain relapses are not clear, but they could be associated with a deficit and alteration of neck muscles propioception that play a decisive role in cervical joint position, motor control of the head, and postural stability. Numerous treatments for non-specific chronic neck pain have been described in the scientific literature. However, few studies analyze its influence on postural stability, since these alterations are not fully described, and various theories emerge about the reasons that cause it. Our primary aim is to analyze the differences in postural stability, pain, cervical disability, and the relation between them produced by a treatment based on manual therapy and another based on therapeutic exercise. METHODS: The short-term and mid-term changes produced by different therapies on subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain will be studied. The sample will be randomly divided into three groups: manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and placebo. As dependent variables of the study, we will take (1) Overall Balance Index, measured through a dynamic stabilometric platform; (2) pain, based on the visual analog scale and the Pressure Pain Threshold; (3) cervical disability, through the neck disability index. The findings will be analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05). DISCUSSION: Our study aims to provide knowledge about postural stability and its relationship with pain in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain. Analyzing the results produced by different types of therapy will allow us to draw conclusions about the mechanisms, structural or central, that may elicit these alterations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry, RBR-2vj7sw . Registered on 28 November 2018.