COVID-19: the importance of physical therapy in the recovery of workers' health

Factors affecting job stress among physical therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia

<b>Background:</b> Physical therapists (PTs), like other healthcare professionals, are susceptible to job stress when involved in patient care, and several factors contribute to it. Therefore, this study aims to assess PTs’ knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) adopted by PTs during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on their job stress.<br /> <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional design was used. 300 PTs from the government and private healthcare organizations in Saudi Arabia were randomly picked and invited to participate. Data were collected using a pre-tested content-validated KAP tool using a Google Form between January and March 2022. Data were analyzed quantitively through SPSS 24.0.<br /> <b>Results:</b> The findings revealed that 85% of PTs whose job involves direct contact with the patients are susceptible to higher stress (perceived stress score [PSS]=22.82) than others. Specifically, female and unmarried PTs are prone to more job stress than others (p&lt;0.05). In addition, PTs who were apprehensive about managing COVID-19 patients and worried about acquiring COVID-19 disease are prone to more job stress. Lastly, 89% of PTs who adopted the practice of wearing N-95 masks and proper handwashing techniques (&gt;80%) experience less stress than others (p&lt;0.05).<br /> <b>Conclusion:</b> The KAP of PTs influences job stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. PTs with sufficient knowledge about measures to adopt, show a positive attitude, and practice wearing proper PPEs, handwashing procedures, and waste disposal systems during patient care are prone to less job stress than others.

Early physiotherapy and chest wall oscillation in patients with COVID-19 disease at the intensive care unit: a pilot clinical trial

Over the past few years, the early mobilization and rehabilitation of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has drawn a lot of interest from the clinical and scientific communities. An interdisciplinary team treating patients suffering from serious conditions should include physiotherapy. Additionally, physiotherapy is utilized to treat and prevent the side effects of extended immobility or sleep, as well as to improve respiratory function. The purpose is to improve residual functionality; to avoid new and repeated hospitalizations; to improve health and quality of life. Exercises for the entire body (including early in-bed cycling), specialized breathing exercises, chest mobilization, relief help, drainage postures, vibration, verticalization, and passive movements are all crucial components of COVID-19 physiotherapy. Our goal was to evaluate the changes of functional condition of patients with COVID-19 in the acute stage using different physiotherapy methods: complex measures against mono therapy. In the research, 28 subjects (15 men and 13 women) were involved. A total of 84 physiotherapy procedures were performed. In the first group, breathing exercises and chest wall oscillation were applied, in the second group – only chest wall oscillation. Respiratory physiotherapy (breathing exercises) plays an important role in reducing and preventing respiratory complications in COVID-19 patients treated at ICU. Early mobilization and chest wall oscillation are beneficial in COVID-19 patients. We note that we are the first to conduct an evidence-based study of physiotherapy in intensive care with COVID-19 patients. We hope that our pilot clinical trial gives opportunity to future researches.

Recovery of functional fitness, lung function, and immune function in healthcare workers with nonsevere and severe COVID-19 at 13 months after discharge from the hospital: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the recovery of functional fitness, lung function, and immune function in healthcare workers (HCWs) with nonsevere and severe COVID-19 at 13 months after discharge from the hospital.

METHODS

The participants of "Rehabilitation Care Project for Medical Staff Infected with COVID-19" underwent a functional fitness test (muscle strength, flexibility, and agility/dynamic balance), lung function test, and immune function test (including cytokines and lymphocyte subsets) at 13 months after discharge.

RESULTS

The project included 779 HCWs (316 nonsevere COVID-19 and 463 severe COVID-19). This study found that 29.1% (130/446) of the HCWs have not yet recovered their functional fitness. The most affected lung function indicator was lung perfusion capacity (34% with diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide-single breath <80%). The increase of interleukin-6 (64/534, 12.0%) and natural killer cells (44/534, 8.2%) and the decrease of CD3⁺ T cells (58/534, 10.9%) and CD4⁺ T cells (26/534, 4.9%) still existed at 13 months after discharge. No significant difference was found in the HCWs with nonsevere and severe COVID-19 regarding recovery of functional fitness, lung function, and immune function at 13 months after discharge.

CONCLUSION

The majority of Chinese HCWs with COVID-19 had recovered their functional fitness, lung function, and immune function, and the recovery status in HCWs with severe COVID-19 is no worse than that in HCWs with nonsevere COVID-19 at 13 months after discharge from the hospital.

Effects of tai chi and qigong on rehabilitation after COVID-19: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is a public health emergency of international concern, which is characterised by rapid and widespread transmission, high mortality and complications. Several studies have shown the benefits of tai chi and qigong for recovery after COVID-19; however, no meta-analysis has been reported. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tai chi and/or qigong on rehabilitation after COVID-19 through a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a reference and basis for clinical application.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will use the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China Knowledge Network, China Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database and Wanfang Database. The time period is from the inception of the database to November 2021, with no language restrictions. Searches will be conducted using the subject terms "Taichi","Qigong" and "COVID-19" plus free-text words. Articles will be screened and collected by two reviewers independently. Included studies will be assessed for quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Statistical analyses will be performed using the Revman V.5.3 software. The primary outcomes include 1-second forced expiratory volume and 1-second forced vital capacity, oxygen saturation, total white cell count and quality of life score. Secondary outcomes include time to remission of major symptoms, incidence of adverse events, clinical cure rate and mortality. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses will also be used to explore and interpret the heterogeneity. This protocol is written based on the guideline of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Protocol.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval and consent are unnecessary because no primary data will be collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021288962.

Correlation between musculoskeletal pain and stress levels in teachers during the remote teaching period of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Introduction Remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic caused teachers to work under adverse conditions and sit in front of a computer rather than stand, which can lead to musculoskeletal pain and stress in this population. Objective To observe the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and its correlation with stress levels in teachers during the remote teaching period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study carried out in elementary and high schools in the city of São José do Belmonte, Pernambuco state (PE). Sixty teachers of both sexes aged 18 years and older were evaluated. The Nordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (NQMS) was used to assess musculoskeletal pain, the Visual Analogue Scale to quantify pain intensity and the Maslach Burnout Inventory to identify symptoms of stress and burnout. Results Seventy five percent (n = 45) of the teachers reported musculoskeletal pain, with a higher prevalence in the lumbar spine 68.3% (n = 41), followed by the cervical spine 45.0% (n = 27),thoracic spine, wrists and hands, both with 41.7% (n = 25). A positive correlation was observed between the presence of musculoskeletal pain and high levels of occupational stress (p = 0.036). Conclusion A high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was identified in teachers during the remote teaching period. The lumbar, cervical and thoracic spine, wrists and hands exhibited the highest pain prevalence. Teachers who experienced musculoskeletal pain had higher stress levels and there was a positive correlation between musculoskeletal pain intensity and high occupational stress levels.

Correlação entre dor musculoesquelética e níveis de estresse em professores durante o período de ensino remoto na pandemia de COVID-19

Resumo Introdução O ensino remoto, ocorrido durante a pan-demia de COVID-19, levou os professores a trabalharem em condições adversas e modificou a postura em que eles ensinavam, passando da posição ortostática para a sentada diante de um computador, o que pode favorecer a presença de dores musculoesqueléticas e estresse. Objetivo Observar a prevalência de dor musculoesquelética e sua correlação com níveis de estresse em professores durante o ensino remoto na pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos Estudo de corte transversal realizado em escolas do ensino fundamental e médio do município de São José do Belmonte, em Pernambuco. Foram avaliados 60 professores, de ambos os sexos e faixa etária acima dos 18 anos. Para avaliar a presença de dores musculoesqueléticas, utilizou-se o N ordic Questionnaire of Musculoskeletal Symptoms ; para quantificar a intensidade das dores, a Escala Visual Analógica; e para identificar sintomas de estresse e esgotamento profissional, o Maslach Burnout Inventory . Resultados Setenta e cinco por cento (n = 45) dos professores avaliados apresentavam dores musculo-esqueléticas, com maior prevalência na coluna lombar (68,3%, n = 41), seguida pela coluna cervical (45,0%,n = 27), coluna torácica, punhos e mãos, ambos com (41,7%, n = 25). Observou-se também uma correlação positiva entre a presença de dor musculoesquelética e níveis elevados de estresse ocupacional nos professores avaliados (p = 0,036). Conclusão Observou-se uma elevada prevalência de dor musculoesquelética nos professores durante o período de ensino remoto. A coluna lombar, cervical, torácica, punhos e mãos foram as regiões com maior prevalência das dores. Os professores que apresentavam dor musculoesquelética relataram maiores níveis de estresse e houve uma correlação positiva entre a intensidade da dor musculoesquelética e níveis elevados de estresse ocupacional.