Effects of COVID-19 in children: a scoping review with recommendations for physiotherapists

Background
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a pandemic in March 2020, following its rapid global spread within a few months. This review reports the clinical features, diagnostic findings, and extrapulmonary effects of COVID-19 in children.

Aim
To summarise the effects of COVID-19 on different body systems in children.

Material and methods
A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct and CINAHL databases. Studies published between December 2019 and April 2021 were included. Data from the selected studies were extracted by the reviewers.

Results
The studies provided a thorough analysis of the effects of COVID-19 on different body systems in children, providing an updated overview. They examined how COVID-19 affects different body systems in children, including musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, renal, and psychological aspects, ultimately affecting their quality of life.

Conclusions
Children generally have fewer symptoms, milder disease, better prognosis and lower mortality. This systematic review highlights the importance of an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to paediatric rehabilitation after COVID-19 infection. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in this process by providing specialised care and support to promote recovery and improve the quality of life of children affected by the virus.