COVID-19 and Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome: From Pathophysiology to Novel Translational Applications

The new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was responsible for a global emergency, with the declaration of a pandemic in March 2020. SARS-CoV-2 can determine coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), ranging from a mild illness to a serious condition requiring hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Furthermore, reports of persistent lung abnormalities and residual disability after a negative swab test suggest the presence of a post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, with the need for multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategies in the majority of survivors. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms of the acute and post-acute manifestations of COVID-19 have not been fully elucidated. In this Special Issue, a number of review and original articles provided a stimulating insight into the pathophysiology and diagnostics of COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Moreover, some novel prognostic and therapeutic applications were analyzed, with potential repercussions in clinical practice and future research. The need for further laboratory and translational research seems to emerge from this collection of articles, with the aim of elucidating the molecular mechanisms of COVID-19 at different stages of the disease. This could enable personalized prevention, interventional and rehabilitation strategies aimed at reducing disease progression and long-term disability.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy-a Mirror Image of Parkinson’s Disease, A Literature Review of Rehabilitation Strategies

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disease which mimic similar to Parkinsonism. PSP advances much quicker than in PD yet no effective medication or therapy to manage PSP available. This literature review aimed to discover the recent advances in the physical therapy treatment options for PSP. Databases such as PubMed, Elsevier and SAGE journal searched for both published and unpublished studies. Last 10-year studies were included in this review. Limited clinical trial conducted in this population due to which a structured protocol or rehabilitation strategies is missing for this condition. Balance exercise and gait training showed potential benefit and music-cued walking demonstrated participant’s satisfaction.

Rehabilitative management of pelvic fractures needs to be further optimized

We read with interest the review by Piccione et al. into the rehabilitative management of patients with pelvic fracture (PF). This review adds to our knowledge about the significance and indispensability of early multidisciplinary intervention in PF. From our perspective, however, potential bias might be caused by several unanswered questions. The uncertain methodological process and the unclear definition could misguide the rehabilitation strategies while still in dispute. Therefore, further high-quality studies should be conducted to optimize the multidisciplinary rehabilitation of patients with PF.