1MPT Student (Ortho), Amar Jyoti Institute of Physiotherapy, Delhi University, New Delhi, India
2Assistant Professor, Amar Jyoti Institute of Physiotherapy, Delhi University, New Delhi, India
Online published on 14 October, 2021.
As the entire nation fights the third wave of COVID pandemic, this study is aimed at creating awareness about importance of Core Prehabilitation in vulnerable populations like the paediatrics and geriatrics. COVID-19 has caused Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and resulting permanent lung damage in the form of reduced diaphragmatic excursion and pelvic floor lengthening. The statistics suggest chances of back pain, muscle weakness bladder and bowel problems, urinary retention, 3–7% chances of UTI, constipation, 3.3–78% chances of diarrhoea, 52% having sexual dysfunctions among other complications.
The database literature search was carried out in the electronic databases like PubMed, Medline, PEDro, and Research gate. Randomized control trials, systematic review, meta-analysis, and case studies included into the review.
Post Intensive Care Syndrome as seen in COVID patients has caused a wide array of dysfunctions such as diaphragmatic and pelvic floor muscle weakness. Timed prehabilitation strategies can prevent long term complications and ensure a better quality of life. Core prehabilitation can comprise of techniques like breathing and chest wall and spinal mobility exercises, manual diaphragm release technique (MDRT), Transversus Abdominis activation, manual techniques, ventilatory facilitation, PFM re-education, biofeedback, Interferential Therapy, electrical stimulation, soft tissue techniques etc.
This literature review highlighted that there is an urgent need for Core prehabilitation among the paediatric and geriatric populations.
Prehabilitation, Core, Pelvic floor, Diaphragm, COVID-19
