The Effect of Telerehabilitation on Physical Fitness and Depression/Anxiety in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Authors

  • Paloma Lopes de Araújo Furtado Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Graduate Program in Physiotherapy, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
  • Maria do Socorro Brasileiro-Santos Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Graduate Program in Physiotherapy, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
  • Brenda Lopes Cavalcanti de Mello Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
  • Alex Andrade Araújo Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
  • Maria Alessandra Sipriano da Silva Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Graduate Program in Physiotherapy, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
  • Jennifer Arielly Suassuna Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
  • Gabriella Brasileiro-Santos Undergraduate in Kinesiology at University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Renata de Lima Martins Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Graduate Program in Physiotherapy, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil
  • Amilton da Cruz Santos Laboratory of Physical Training Studies Applied to Health, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Graduate Program in Physiotherapy, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil; Associate Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, João Pessoa, Paraiba, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2023.6560

Keywords:

COVID-19, muscle strength, physical fitness, telerehabilitation

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of a telerehabilitation program on physical fitness, muscle strength, and levels of depression and anxiety in post-COVID-19 patients. Methods: Thirty-two individuals recovered from COVID-19 (48.20±12.82 years) were allocated into either a telerehabilitation (TG n=16) or control (CG n=16) group. Physical fitness, handgrip strength, depression and anxiety levels were assessed before and after an 8-week intervention. Results: There was a significant improvement in muscle strength in both groups. Physical fitness significantly increased compared to the CG at the end of the intervention. Levels of anxiety and depression significantly decreased after the intervention when compared to the CG. Conclusion: Eight weeks of functional telerehabilitation training is a viable and efficient way to rehabilitate patients affected by COVID-19, as it improved physical conditioning and mental health.

  

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Published

2023-05-11

How to Cite

Furtado, P. L. de A., Brasileiro-Santos , M. do S., Cavalcanti de Mello, B. L., Araújo, A. A., Silva, M. A. S. da, Suassuna, J. A., Brasileiro-Santos, G., Martins, R. de L., & da Cruz Santos, A. (2023). The Effect of Telerehabilitation on Physical Fitness and Depression/Anxiety in Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Telerehabilitation, 15(1). https://doi.org/10.5195/ijt.2023.6560

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 1 (2023)

Section

Clinical Practice - COVID 19

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Copyright (c) 2023 Paloma Lopes de Araújo Furtado, Maria do Socorro Brasileiro-Santos , Brenda Lopes Cavalcanti de Mello, Alex Andrade Araújo, Maria Alessandra Sipriano da Silva, Jennifer Arielly Suassuna, Gabriella Brasileiro-Santos, BKin, Renata de Lima Martins, Amilton da Cruz Santos

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