Medical Performance During Physical Exercise Prescription in Adult Patients with Post-COVID-19 Osteoarticular and Muscular Sequelae

Abstract

Introduction: For current public health, post-COVID-19 symptoms constitute a challenge whose long-term effects are yet to be fully dimensioned. Meanwhile, these sequelae must be treated, which demands excellent professional development. Objective: To describe medical performance during the prescription of physical exercise in patients with post-COVID-19 osteoarticular and muscular sequelae. Method: A quantitative, descriptive study was carried out at the East Area Polyclinic in the Camagüey municipality, Cuba, between July and September 2025. The study population consisted of 25 specialists in Family Medicine, to whom an observation guide was applied. It contains 12 aspects to be evaluated during professional performance, the result of which is recorded as yes or no, and is related to the demonstrated skills. Results: The observation guide revealed that 84% of family doctors performed an adequate initial clinical evaluation of patients with post-COVID-19 osteoarticular and muscular sequelae. However, only a low percentage performed functional evaluations and considered comorbidities for exercise prescription. Furthermore, education on exercise and follow-up were insufficient, with a total of 100% non-compliance in these areas. Conclusions: The research highlights the value of an observation guide in the prescription of physical exercise by the family doctor, which will enhance their performance. This way, a more effective and adapted intervention can be carried out, oriented towards the physical recovery and quality of life of affected patients.