Physiotherapy In COVID-19. A Case Study of a Patient With a Long ICU Stay

Authors

  • Alexandros Kouvarakos PT, MSc Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • irini Patsaki PT, MSc, PhD Physiotherapist, Assistant Professor, Physiotherapy Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
  • Ilda Vakou PT, MSc Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • Dimitris Zervakis MD, PhD Physician, Consultant, 1st National and Kapodistrean University Critical Care and Pulmonary Services Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • Anastasia Kotanidou MD, PhD Physician, Professor and Chief Director, 1st National and Kapodistrean University Critical Care and Pulmonary Services Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • Emmanuel Papadopoulos PT, MSc, PhD Associate Professor of Physiotherapy, Frederick University Cyprus, Head of Paramedical Professions, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Early physiotherapy in critically ill patients is a key component to their survival and their functional recovery. Among the various professionals involved in the recovery of the patients with COVID-19, physiotherapists play a vital role in the prevention of complications and the rehabilitation of respiratory and musculoskeletal deficiencies.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this case report is to present the clinical efficacy of physiotherapy intervention in a Covid-19 critically ill male patient with a prolonged ICU stay, since limited data are present in the literature regarding the course of recovery that these patients follow from ICU intubation until hospital discharge.

METHODS: Early physiotherapy commencement, comprising of respiratory and musculoskeletal interventions in order to prevent and address complications from prolonged immobilization and mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS: Significant clinical improvements were noted in the patient during his stay in the Covid-19 ICU. He was successfully liberated from mechanical ventilation and subsequently from tracheostomy tube. Improvements were more easily achieved once he was transferred to the High Dependence Unit.

CONCLUSION: In the current case study, physiotherapy was a vital and effective component of the therapeutic plan of a Covid-19 Patient, highlighting the need of a detailed and regular physical assessment along with a tailored rehabilitation program.

Author Biographies

Alexandros Kouvarakos PT, MSc, Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Physiotherapy, Physiotherapist

irini Patsaki PT, MSc, PhD, Physiotherapist, Assistant Professor, Physiotherapy Department, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece

School of Physiotherapy, Associate Professor

Ilda Vakou PT, MSc, Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Physiotherapist, Physiotherapy Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Dimitris Zervakis MD, PhD, Physician, Consultant, 1st National and Kapodistrean University Critical Care and Pulmonary Services Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

3Physician, Consultant, 1st National and Kapodistrean University Critical Care and Pulmonary Services Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece,

Anastasia Kotanidou MD, PhD, Physician, Professor and Chief Director, 1st National and Kapodistrean University Critical Care and Pulmonary Services Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

4Physican, Professor and Chief Director, 1st National and Kapodistrean University Critical Care and Pulmonary Services Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Emmanuel Papadopoulos PT, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiotherapy, Frederick University Cyprus, Head of Paramedical Professions, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

Physiotherapist, Director, Physiotherapy Department, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece

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Published

2025-07-03

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025): HOSPITAL CHRONICLES (NOSOKOMEIAKA CHRONIKA)

Section

CASE REPORTS

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