Post-COVID-19 physical therapy: impact of respiratory and motor physical therapy on functional and cardiovascular recovery: A literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62827/fb.v26i6.1123Keywords:
SARS-CoV-2; Physical Therapy Services; Respiratory Therapy.Abstract
Introduction: Post-COVID-19 rehabilitation is essential to restore respiratory, cardiovascular, and functional capacity in patients presenting with persistent sequelae after infection. Musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and metabolic complications resulting from the disease can significantly impair autonomy and quality of life, requiring interdisciplinary approaches that integrate physiotherapy, clinical management, and educational strategies. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the impact of interdisciplinary rehabilitation—emphasizing respiratory and motor physiotherapy—on functional and cardiovascular recovery in post-COVID-19 patients, considering parameters such as muscle strength, aerobic capacity, pulmonary function, and quality of life. Methods: A descriptive and analytical literature review was conducted, based on national and international publications retrieved from the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and Scopus databases. Twelve studies published between 2020 and 2025 were included, selected for their relevance to post-COVID-19 rehabilitation, physiotherapeutic protocols, and observed functional outcomes. Results: Evidence demonstrates that structured respiratory and motor physiotherapy programs significantly improve ventilatory capacity, peripheral muscle strength, exercise tolerance, and cardiovascular performance. Strategies combining breathing reeducation, muscle strengthening, progressive physical conditioning, and interdisciplinary medical supervision promoted functional recovery and reduced long-term complications. Factors such as therapeutic adherence, family support, and continuity of home-based care were decisive for maintaining functional gains. Findings reinforce that post-COVID-19 recovery depends on the interaction between clinical, behavioral, and social factors, with physiotherapy emerging as a central component in restoring function and autonomy. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary rehabilitation, particularly structured respiratory and motor physiotherapy, is fundamental to optimizing functional and cardiovascular recovery in post-COVID-19 patients. Individualized protocols integrating medical monitoring, therapeutic exercise, and educational interventions improve physical capacity, minimize sequelae, and enhance quality of life, underscoring the importance of multifactorial and patient-centered approaches in post-pandemic rehabilitation.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Maria Luíza de Sales Endringer, Isadora Severiano de Souza, Luma Candian Gundling , Anna Beatriz de Carvalho Manzoli , Wilson Sant Anna Lopes Neto , Verônica Góbi Bernabé , Jean Moschem, Erika Mendes Cypriano (Autor)
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