Patients with COVID-19 suffering in the acute phase from both the sequelae of the disease and prolonged immobilization require a rehabilitation phase for functional recovery and a comprehensive functional evaluation. This study proposes using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) as a global functional assessment tool to quantify rehabilitation outcomes in post-COVID patients. Additionally, investigating the effect of High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) on patients with musculoskeletal comorbidities was another key research question. Two post-COVID rehabilitation programs were retrospectively analyzed as follows: one consisting of kinesiotherapy combined with High-Intensity Laser Therapy for patients with musculoskeletal comorbidities and the other consisting of kinesiotherapy alone. Functional evaluation using 6MWT was conducted before and after 10 daily therapeutic sessions with 33 ambulatory patients divided into 2 groups (18 patients treated with HILT and kinesiotherapy vs. 15 patients treated with kinesiotherapy only). The 6MWT was successfully completed by 32 out of 33 patients (96.96%), with performance improvements ranging from 3% to 60% among patients. Statistical differences were also observed between the groups, suggesting that the 6MWT is a sensitive, objective, and valuable tool for functional assessment of post-COVID rehabilitation, supporting the potential benefits of HILT in enhancing functional recovery.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability in older adults. As definitive treatment often involves knee replacement surgery, effective non-invasive approaches capable of alleviating symptoms and preserving mobility are needed to delay surgical intervention or bridge waiting periods for surgery. Methods: Thirty-two patients with knee OA were included in this pilot comparative study. Patients underwent either a standardized physical therapy program (10 sessions) or the same program supplemented with vacuum-compression therapy (VCT), according to treatment received during routine clinical care. Outcome measures included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Physical and Mental Component Summary scores of the SF-12 questionnaire (PCS, MCS). Assessments were performed at baseline and at 1-month follow-up, with WOMAC additionally evaluated immediately after treatment. Responder analysis based on minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds was also performed. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement across most outcomes. Between-group analysis showed greater improvements in the intervention group, with statistically significant differences observed for functional outcomes (WOMAC and PCS). Conclusions: In this pilot comparative study, the addition of VCT to standard physical therapy was associated with greater functional improvement in patients with knee OA.