Nutrients (Oct 2023)

Longitudinal Changes in Physical Function and Their Impact on Health Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients

  • Rebecca De Lorenzo,
  • Luigi Di Filippo,
  • Sabrina Scelfo,
  • Aurora Merolla,
  • Andrea Giustina,
  • Caterina Conte,
  • Patrizia Rovere-Querini

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15204474
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 15, no. 20
p. 4474

Abstract

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Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is correlated with a variety of long-term sequelae that affect different aspects of health, including physical function. This study investigated the longitudinal changes in handgrip strength (HGS) over six months post-hospital discharge in COVID-19 patients and explores the associations between HGS, health-related quality of life, dyspnoea, exercise capacity, and body mass index (BMI). Methods: Adult COVID-19 patients were followed up at one, three, and six months after hospital discharge. HGS, BMI, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed. Data from patients with HGS measurements at all three time points were analysed. Results: Low HGS was prevalent one month post-discharge (35%). Participants with low HGS exhibited more severe disease (30.5% vs. 5.9% were admitted to the intensive care unit, p p p = 0.004), and reduced exercise capacity (6 min walking test [6 MWT], 95.7 [84.0; 102.0] vs. 100.0 [92.9; 105.0]% predicted, p = 0.007). Those with persistently low HGS (40% of the initial low HGS group) had worse exercise capacity (6-MWT 93.3 [78.3; 101.0] vs. 101.0 [95.0; 107.0]% predicted, p p p p = 0.008). Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalence of reduced physical function among COVID-19 survivors and emphasises the importance of early identification and intervention to optimise their long-term health. Monitoring HGS, a simple and reliable tool, can provide valuable insights into patients’ overall physical function, aiding in tailored care and improved outcomes.

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