Avaliação do efeito da fotobiomodulação em pacientes com sequelas pulmonares decorrentes da infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was classified as a pandemic in March 2020. The disease can present a wide range of symptoms, from mild, such as flu-like symptoms, to severe, such as pneumonia and death. In addition to the health impacts, COVID-19 also caused significant financial losses and resulted in the deaths of millions of people around the world. Currently, COVID-19 continues to be a public health problem, not only due to acute cases, but also due to the sequelae related to what is called Long COVID, with lung changes being the most frequently described. Therefore, the search for therapies for the clinical improvement of these patients has been a challenge. In this context, photobiomodulation (FBM), especially LEDtherapy, is widely studied and used by health professionals to promote analgesic, anti-inflammatory, circulatory and healing effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of FBM with LED in patients with pulmonary sequelae resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection. A triple-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out, with a sample of

8 adult patients, with a mean age of 51.9 years, with COPD and a history of SARS- CoV-2 infection. Vital parameters were analyzed (peripheral oxygen saturation,

respiratory rate, heart rate and blood pressure), pulmonary function by spirometry, strength and functionality of the lower limbs with the sit-to-stand test in 30 seconds and perception of fatigue/dyspnea and quality of life, using validated instruments (PDQFSM, MRC and SF-36), before and after infrared LED therapy. The therapy was applied for seven consecutive days, followed by a "crossover" period, in which the placebo group began to receive the treatment and the treated group was maintained on placebo for another seven consecutive days. At the end of the study, there was a significant decrease in the perception of dyspnea and fatigue after treatment with LED lung therapy in the treated group compared to the placebo group, in addition to a significant improvement in lung function measured by spirometry. In summary, this study contributes to the growing evidence that LED therapy can offer significant therapeutic benefits for patients with sequelae of serious infections, such as COVID-19. Integrating this therapy into rehabilitation protocols may be a promising strategy to improve the health and well-being of these patients.