Functional capacity in Covid-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the functional capacity, global muscle weakness and quality of life in COVID-19 survivors. Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors frequently develop impaired physical function, quality of life, and muscle weakness. Method: Acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors related to COVID-19 underwent standardized physical clinical evaluation, Medical Research Council-sumscore, hand-grip strength, 6-minute walk test, 5 repetition-chair-stand test, timed up and go test and Short form-36 evaluation following 4-6 weeks after hospital discharge in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Outpatient Clinic. Results: Fifteen patients (10 men, 5 women) with median age 69 years and length of intensive care unit stay 10 days were analyzed. There were impairments in 6-minute walk test, 5 repetition-chair-stand test, hand-grip strength and, Role-physical, Role-emotional and Social functioning domains of Short form-36. 6-minute walk distance was negatively correlated with timed up and go. SF-physical functioning was positively correlated with hand-grip strength, Medical Research Council-sumscore and 5 repetition-chair-stand. SF-general health was positively correlated with hand-grip strength. Conclusion: There were varying degrees of functional impairment in survivors. Therefore, it could add advantage to assess these patients after nearly 4-6 weeks following discharge in order to ascertain rehabilitation needs and giving appropriate therapies. Keywords: post-intensive care syndrome, COVID-19, functional capacity, six-minute walk test, handgrip strength, chair stand test Condensed Abstract: Acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors related to COVID-19 demonstrated impairments in 6-minute walk test, 5 repetition-chair-stand test, hand-grip strength and, some domains of Short form-36. In order to ascertain rehabilitation needs and giving appropriate therapies, assessing these patients after nearly 4-6 weeks following discharge could add an advantage.