Journal of Pain Management & Medicine

Outcomes of a Structured Olfactory and Gustatory Rehabilitation Program in Children with Post-COVID-19 Smell and Taste Disturbances

12th International Conference on Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

April 27-28, 2026| Dubai, UAE

Sami Khalid Almalki

King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Pain Manage Med

Abstract:

Background/Objectives: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2) is closely related to SARS-CoV and uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as its cellular receptor. In early 2020, reports emerged linking CoV disease 2019 (COVID-19) to olfactory and gustatory disturbances. These disturbances could be attributed to virusinduced damage to olfactory neurons or immune responses, thereby affecting sensory functions. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured orofacial rehabilitation program in improving smell (olfaction) and taste (gustation) sensations in children post-COVID-19. Methods: Forty children recovering from COVID-19 in government hospitals in Saudi Arabia were included and randomly assigned to the control group or the experimental group. The orofacial program included (a) facilitation of olfactory function using the 40-item modified Arabic version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT); (b) assessment of gustatory function using taste strips with four varying concentrations; and (c) orofacial myofunctional therapy. The intervention was applied three times a week and lasted for 3 months. Results: The experimental group showed a significantly greater improvement in UPSIT scores (median change of 24.1%) than the control group (14.7%; p = 0.010). However, no significant difference was found in the taste strip test scores among the groups or between male and female participants.

Conclusions: This study suggests that a structured orofacial rehabilitation program could enhance olfactory and gustatory functions in children recovering from COVID-19.

Biography :

Sami Khalid Almalki is a healthcare professional affiliated with King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia. He is dedicated to advancing patient care through clinical excellence and evidence-based practice. With a strong commitment to medical education and interdisciplinary collaboration, he actively contributes to improving healthcare outcomes and supports the exchange of scientific knowledge through international conferences and professional engagements.