Capacity and functional profile of post-COVID-19 individuals: one-year follow-up
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1590/Keywords:
Pandemic, Rehabilitation, SARS-CoV-2Abstract
Patients recovering from COVID-19 often
exhibit health characteristics shaped by the disease’s
clinical manifestations. Following the pandemic
progression, it has become increasingly important to
assess the impact of these manifestations on the quality
of life of post-COVID-19 patients. This study analyzed the
profiles of individuals infected during the 2020 and 2021
pandemic waves. A cross-sectional study was conducted
with patients referred to rehabilitation following COVID-19
infection. Assessment tools included the Modified Borg
Scale, the Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnea
Scale, and the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS quality of life
instruments, alongside the Post-COVID Functional
Scale (PCFS). Additional functional evaluations were
performed using spirometry, manovacuometry, manual
dynamometry, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and
the sit-to-stand test. A total of 286 patients (mean age 49.01±16.86 years) participated, grouped by year of infection:
2020 (n=118) and 2021 (n=168). Results indicated a worsening
of symptoms in 2021, including increased hospitalization rates,
and longer ward and ICU stays. Health-related quality of life also
declined significantly, particularly regarding mobility (p=0.02),
pain/discomfort (p=0.001), and usual activities (p=0.004).
Persistence of symptoms and resulting decline in functionality
suggest increased disease severity in 2021. The second COVID-19
wave thus exacerbated the disease’s impact, leading to more
frequent functional and systemic impairments, underscoring
the heightened need for post-COVID rehabilitation to improve
quality of life.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Maria Julia Batista Moreira, Christiane Riedi Daniel, Andersom Ricardo Fréz, Marina Pegoraro Baroni, Sibele Andrade de Mello Knout, João Afonso Ruaro
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