Traditional Chinese exercise for COVID-19: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Duan, Yuanyuan; Xiong, Mengran; Wang, Heping; Yao, Xiaoyan; Liu, Henyuan; Li, Guangxi

BACKGROUND: A new type of coronavirus (COVID-19), is spreading all over the world. Under the background of the comprehensive medical treatment and strict prevention and control in China, the number of discharged patients increased substantially. By the end of July, more than 80,000 patients had been cured and discharged from hospital in China. In order to effectively promote the full recovery of the patient's physical and mental functions and quality of life, gradually shift the emphasis of clinical work to convalescence therapy is very important, thus Chinese experts draw up Expert Consensus on Rehabilitation of Chinese Medicine for COVID-19. This systematic review and meta-analysis will assess studies of the effects of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) for COVID-19 patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will search 6 English and 4 Chinese databases by 01, December 2020. After a series of screening, Randomized Clinic Trials (RCTs) will be included related to TCE for COVID-19. Two assessors will use the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to assess the RCTs. Finally, the evidence grade of the results will be evaluated. RESULTS: This study will provide a reliable evidence for the selection of TCE therapies for COVID-19. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will provide references for the selection of TCE treatment for COVID-19, and provide decision making references for clinical research. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020179095.