Pradeep Balakrishnan¹*, Deepa Kalaichelvan², Vinodhkumar Ramalingam³, Nurshazana Akmal Jamaludin⁴

Authors:

^1,2School of Health Sciences, KPJ University College, Kota Seriemas, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

³Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science, Chennai, India

⁴Department of Physiotherapy, University Teknology MARA, Kampus Bertam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Corresponding Author:

^*Lecturer, School of Health Sciences, KPJ University College, Kota Seriemas, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Mail Id: pradeep@kpjuc.edu.my

Abstract

Introduction: In the respiratory management and physical recovery of Covid-19 cases, physical therapy may be necessary. The spectrum of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy is limited to acute provision without referral to an outpatient physiotherapy clinic for patients with cardiorespiratory problems. In community settings, a limited number of physiotherapists practicing further restricting the scope. The objective of this research is to identify the awareness and perception of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy for Covid-19 patients among the alumni physiotherapists from KPJ Healthcare University College.

Method: A cross-sectional online survey study among the alumni physiotherapists from KPJ Healthcare University College. 80 male and female alumni physiotherapists from Diploma Cohort 1 to 10 are selected as they would have at least 5 years and above working experience and is considered competent and reliable scientific evidence for this study. Sampling technique used for this research is convenience sampling better known as a non-probability sampling technique. Sample size is determined by using Slovin’s Formula. Questionnaire related to research topic is distributed via Google Docs. Descriptive statistics is done using SPSS version 26.

Results: This study shows majority had good knowledge, awareness and their perceptions from their own perspectives as a physiotherapist as well as an ordinary man.

Conclusion: Chest physical therapy can help to improve physical health from an acute illness. In conclusion, this study was able to determine the awareness and gauge the perception of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy for Covid-19 patients among physiotherapists.

Key Words  Cardiorespiratory; Covid-19; Physiotherapist; Chest physiotherapy; Slovin’s Formula