The need for exercise sciences and an integrated response to COVID-19: A position statement from the international HL-PIVOT network

Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2021 Jul-Aug:67:2-10. doi: 10.1016/j.pcad.2021.01.004. Epub 2021 Feb 4.

Abstract

COVID-19 is one of the biggest health crises that the world has seen. Whilst measures to abate transmission and infection are ongoing, there continues to be growing numbers of patients requiring chronic support, which is already putting a strain on health care systems around the world and which may do so for years to come. A legacy of COVID-19 will be a long-term requirement to support patients with dedicated rehabilitation and support services. With many clinical settings characterized by a lack of funding and resources, the need to provide these additional services could overwhelm clinical capacity. This position statement from the Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL-PIVOT) Network provides a collaborative blueprint focused on leading research and developing clinical guidelines, bringing together professionals with expertise in clinical services and the exercise sciences to develop the evidence base needed to improve outcomes for patients infected by COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Exercise sciences; Integrated roles; Rehabilitation; Sports medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / rehabilitation*
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation
  • Cardiorespiratory Fitness*
  • Exercise Tolerance
  • Exercise*
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Organizational Policy
  • Rehabilitation / methods
  • Respiratory Tract Diseases / rehabilitation
  • Telemedicine