Association between Post-Hospitalization Psychological Distress, Exercise Capacity, Physical Function and Health Status in COVID-19 Survivors

Abstract

This study aims to determine whether post-hospitalization psychological distress is associated with exercise capacity, physical function and health status in COVID-19 survivors. In this observational study, hospitalized COVID patients were included and divided into two groups according to the mental component summary subscale of the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey. Patients with a score ≤ 45 were included in the psychological distress group, and patients with a score > 45 were included in the non-psychological distress group. The main variables were exercise capacity, physical function, and health status. Patients were evaluated at discharge, 3 months, and at 6 months follow-up. Finally, a total of 60 patients were included in the study. Significant differences were found in exercise capacity, physical function, and health status (p p < 0.05). It can be concluded that COVID patients with psychological distress at hospital discharge reported worse exercise capacity, physical function and health status at hospital discharge, 3 months and 6 months follow-up.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• exercise capacity
• health status
• physical functional performance
• psychological distress