Physiotherapist’s role in physical activity of people working from home

Damian Durlak

Damian Durlak – Rola fizjoterapeuty w aktywności fizycznej u osób pracujących zdalnie. Fizjoterapia Polska 2021; 21(5); 226-232

Abstract
Introduction. COVID-19 pandemic introduced new restrictions and either forced or encouraged citizens to stay mostly in isolation, preferably at home. Many companies sent their employees to work from home. With fitness centers, gyms and other sport facilities closed by government, there were scarce chances and motivators to work out.
Objectives. This paper was dedicated to studying the possible outcomes of COVID-19 related isolation and decrease in citizen’s everyday activity. Proposed usage of telephysiotherapy is presented.
Methods. In this paper a literature review and a discussion is performed regarding the current work-from-home situation in Poland, drawbacks of prolonged isolation and areas where physiotherapists might help citizens.
Results. Reduction of physical activity has significant impact on individuals’ bodies and should not be ignored. Patients with specific diseases might use telephysiotherapy services and continue their treatment. However, there is a need to provide home office employees with a good source of motivation and properly prepared sets of exercises to remain healthy and fit. Physiotherapists have an occasion to provide such services and use their professional knowledge in this area.
Conclusions. Physiotherapistscan provide services like telephysiotherapy with sets of exercises provided for specific groups of users. This allows for a win-win situation: physiotherapists earn money on a slightly different type of tasks and patients have a professional source of profitable exercises.
Key words:
COVID-19, telephysiotherapy, physical activity, working from home