Physiotherapy management for COVID-19 in hospital setting

Abstract

The novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents an important and urgent threat to global health. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a beta coronavirus. It is comprised of a single-stranded ribonucleic acid (RNA) structure that belongs to the Corona virinae subfamily, part of the Corona viridae family. In humans, coronaviruses were thought to cause mild respiratory infections until the identification of SARS-CoV and MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 are unknown (due to pending laboratory trials), genomic similarities to SARS-CoV could help to explain the resulting inflammatory response that may lead to the onset of severe pneumonia. This document has been prepared to provide information to physiotherapists and acute care healthcare facilities about the potential role of physiotherapyinthemanagementofhospitaladmittedpatientswithconfirmedand/or suspectedCOVID-19.