Functional Capacity in COVID-19 related Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Survivors

Background/Purpose:: The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the functional capacity, global muscle weakness and quality of life in COVID-19 survivors. Acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors frequently develop impaired physical function, quality of life, and muscle weakness. Methods: 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.