The Possible Impact of COVID-19 on Respiratory Muscles Structure and Functions: A Literature Review

Leonardo Cesanelli, Danguole Satkunskiene, Indre Bileviciute-Ljungar, Raimondas Kubilius, Gintare Repečkaite, Federico Cesanelli, Angelo Iovane and Giuseppe Messina
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Leonardo Cesanelli: Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
Danguole Satkunskiene: Department of Health Promotion and Rehabilitation, Lithuanian Sports University, 44221 Kaunas, Lithuania
Indre Bileviciute-Ljungar: Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Danderyd University Hospital, 182 57 Stockholm, Sweden
Raimondas Kubilius: Department of Rehabilitation of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
Gintare Repečkaite: Department of Rehabilitation of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
Federico Cesanelli: Faculty of Medicine, Marche Polytechnic University, 60121 Ancona, Italy
Angelo Iovane: Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
Giuseppe Messina: Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychological, Pedagogical and Educational Sciences, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-17

Abstract: The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on respiratory muscle functions is an important area of recent enquiry. COVID-19 has effects on the respiratory muscles. The diaphragm muscle is perturbed indirectly due to the mechanical-ventilation-induced-disuse, but also by direct mechanisms linked with SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. In this sense, a deeper understanding of the possible links between COVID-19 and alterations in structure and functions of the respiratory muscles may increase the success rate of preventive and supportive strategies. Ultrasound imaging alongside respiratory muscle strength tests and pulmonary function assessment are valid approaches to the screening and monitoring of disease, for mild to severe patients. The aim of the present review is to highlight the current literature regarding the links between COVID-19 and respiratory muscle functions. We examine from the pathophysiological aspects of disease, up to approaches taken to monitor and rehabilitate diseased muscle. We hope this work will add to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology and disease management of respiratory muscle pathology subsequent to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: diaphragm muscle; respiratory functions; COVID-19; rehabilitation; SARS-CoV-2 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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