Throughout human history, the heart has been perceived as a miraculous organ. In all cultures and civilizations, the heart has been considered the source of life and vitality, as well as a symbol of love, friendship, helpfulness, compassion, conscience, sacrifice, loyalty, unity, trust, and courage. In ancient Greece (700-200 BC), it was believed that the soul resided within the heart. Hippocrates and Aristotle, aware of the heart's blood-pumping function, believed that the heart was also the center of emotional and intellectual capacities. The deep wounds inflicted by this virus, which has gripped the entire world, primarily in our hearts, can be healed through individually planned interventions, including self-management strategies, relaxation and breathing exercises, controlled physical activity, light-to-moderate aerobic exercises involving large muscle groups, and stress management, tailored to other comorbidities. Cardiac rehabilitation for COVID-19 can enhance immunity by increasing the levels and function of immune cells and immunoglobulins, regulating inflammatory markers, and reducing anxiety and depression. It can also improve respiratory system function by restoring normal lung tissue elasticity and strength, acting as an antibiotic, antioxidant, and antimycotic. It can act as a protective barrier to reduce COVID-19 risk factors, which may help reduce the incidence and progression of COVID-19. To this end, physiotherapists in our country, after completing a four-year Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation undergraduate degree, have been conducting clinical and academic research in cardiac rehabilitation in numerous centers, private, and public hospitals for nearly 50 years, since the 1970s, and with continued growth. The use of technology-based cardiac rehabilitation, both during pandemics and beyond, can increase accessibility to cardiac rehabilitation in regions where healthcare services are difficult to provide.
We must never forget that our hearts pump not only blood but also love. As we lose loved ones suddenly during this pandemic that has shaken the world and witness their pain with profound sorrow, all options indicate that our hearts are now in need of rehabilitation.
Prof. Zuhal KUNDURACILAR
Head of Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
