The aim of this study was to identify factors present 3 months after hospitalization due to COVID-19 that are associated with the level of functioning 1 year later.
This is a multicenter prospective observational study comprising data from the Region Västra Götaland in Sweden. Participants ≥ 18 years, who had a hospital stay for > 5 days, and who had previously lived independently, were recruited throughout hospitals in the region, 2020 – 2021. The participants were followed-up by physiotherapist regarding body functions and activities at three-months and one year after hospital discharge. Prior the follow-up participants were sent patient reported outcome measures, enabling participants to self-report their health. At three months after discharge the follow-up consisted of a telephone interview based on self-reported aspects of health. One year after COVID-19 the follow-up consisted of self-reported aspects of health and a clinical assessment with a physiotherapist. Among others, walking distance and respiratory function was assessed.
One hundred and sixty-nine individuals took part in this study. Aspects of functioning were assessed one year after hospitalization due to COVID-19. The majority were men (67%, n = 113), mean age of 66 (21-95) years. Regarding respiratory function 34% (n= 50) were under the normative value for forced vital capacity and 39% (n = 57) were under normative value for forced vital capacity in one second. The participants had a median walking distance of 441 m (SD 118m) assessed with the six-minute walking test and 40% (n = 62) reported mobility problems. The regression model (r2 = 0.31, p0.001) showed that older age, followed by female sex and more self-reported symptoms of physical fatigue where significantly associated with lower levels of functioning one year after hospitalization due to COVID-19.
One year after hospitalization due to COVID-19 some individuals still suffer from functional impairments. This study shows that individuals with adequate respiratory function and adequate walking distance, may still report high levels of respiratory difficulties and fatigue. This may indicate that their functional performance is close to their maximal capacity. These results indicate that in order to detect functional impairments after hospitalization due to COVID-19 physiotherapists may need to assess individuals more in-depth, to identify the need of and provide adequate rehabilitation.
Individuals who were previously hospitalized for COVID-19 may present acceptable results in clinical testing but still be suffer from functional impairments. This highlights the need for in-depth assessments by physiotherapists to identify rehabilitation needs.
physical rehabilitation
functioning
