Photobiomodulation Therapy Versus Integrated Myofascial Release Therapy Techniques In Patients With COVID-19 With Follow-Up Telerehabilitation

Summary

Objective: To compare low-level laser therapy and myofascial release in reducing inflammation and functional recovery in critically ill COVID-19 patients with 3-month home-based telerehabilitation assessment.

Participants: One hundred two COVID-19 patients aged 45-60 years randomized into three groups: low-level laser therapy (n=34), myofascial release (n=34), and control (n=34).

Intervention: Intensive care unit-based low-level laser therapy, myofascial release, or standard physiotherapy with medical treatment. Following discharge, all participants received 12 weeks of multidimensional home-based telerehabilitation incorporating patient education, breathing exercises, inspiratory muscle training, limb strengthening, aerobic training, and trunk control.

Outcomes: Primary outcomes were ferritin and D-dimer levels. Secondary outcomes included C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, white blood cell counts, maximum inspiratory pressure, six-minute walk test, bilateral knee strength, dyspnea perception, fatigue severity, and oxygen saturation. All measured at baseline, discharge, and 3 months. Intensive care unit length of stay and physiotherapy sessions measured at discharge.

Conditions

• COVID 19 Disease

Interventions

RADIATION

Photobiomodulation

It was applied for upper respiratory tract over tonsils, trachea, and main bronchi (bilaterally parasternal at the level of angle of Lewis), upper and lower lung, and at cubital vein

PROCEDURE

Myofascial release therapy

technique was applied from supine position, with both hands cupping both diaphragmatic domes

DEVICE

traditional chest physiotherapy

included traditional chest physiotherapy (postural drainage, percussion and shaking), stretching exercise

OTHER

telerehabilitation

Following ICU discharge, all patients participated in a 12-week structured home multidimensional telerehabilitation program delivered via videoconferencing (Zoom or Microsoft Teams) under the remote supervision of a physiotherapist. Sessions were conducted three times per week and incorporated patient education, breathing exercises, inspiratory muscle training (30 -50% MIP), strengthening of upper and lower limb muscle groups (50- 70 % 1RM), aerobic training (40- 60% HRR), and trunk control activities. Safety monitoring was emphasized throughout, with patients instructed to use a pulse oximeter before, during, and after each session. Adherence was assessed by session attendance, exercise diaries, and weekly therapist follow-up

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Beni-Suef University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Mahmoud Ibrahim Mahmoud, Lecturer · Faculty of Physical Therapy - Beni-Suef University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

45 Years

Max Age

60 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-06-01

Primary Completion

2020-12-15

Completion

2020-12-31

Countries

• Egypt

Study Locations