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Physical Function, Cognitive Function, and Daily Activities in Patients Hospitalized Due to COVID-19: A Descriptive
Alexandra C Larsson1,2, Annie Palstam1,3, Hanna C Persson1,2
1Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41345 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
COVID-19 hospitalization impairs physical and cognitive functions, especially in older adults and ICU patients. Rehabilitation is crucial for recovery and daily living post-hospitalization.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Public Health
- Geriatrics
Background:
- COVID-19 can necessitate hospitalization for a significant portion of infected individuals.
- Long-term health consequences of COVID-19 hospitalization, particularly on physical and cognitive function, require thorough investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physical function, cognitive function, and daily activity performance in COVID-19 patients post-hospitalization.
- To identify age-related and intensive care unit (ICU) admission-related differences in functional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 211 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in Sweden.
- Data collection on physical function (grip and lower body strength) and daily activities occurred during hospitalization (July 2020 - February 2021).
- Patients were stratified by age (≥65 years vs. younger) and ICU admission status.
Main Results:
- Reduced physical function and capacity for daily activities were observed in all hospitalized patients.
- Older patients (≥65 years) exhibited significantly greater physical impairments, reduced daily activity performance, and cognitive decline compared to younger patients.
- Patients admitted to the ICU experienced more pronounced physical impairments and lower activity levels than those not admitted to the ICU.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalization for COVID-19 leads to physical impairments, mild cognitive deficits, and challenges with daily activities.
- The findings underscore the necessity for outpatient follow-up and rehabilitation programs.
- Particular attention should be given to older patients and those who underwent intensive care unit treatment to optimize recovery.
Abstract:
An estimated 14-20% of people infected with COVID-19 require medical care. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physical function, cognitive function, and daily activities in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, and to investigate differences depending on age and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). This prospective descriptive cross-sectional study included a consecutive sample of 211 patients (mean age 65.1 years, 67.3% men) hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Sweden. Data regarding physical function and daily activities were collected in hospital from July 2020 to February 2021. The average length of hospital stay was 33.8 days, and 48.8% of the patients were admitted to the ICU. Physical function (grip- and lower body strength) was reduced in both groups, and significantly more in the older group, ≥65 years old, compared to the younger. Furthermore, the older group also had significantly less ability to perform activities in daily life, and had significantly reduced cognitive function as compared to the younger age group. In patients treated in the ICU, physical impairments as well as the activity level were significantly more pronounced compared to patients not treated in the ICU. Patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 are physically impaired, have mild cognitive impairments, and have difficulties performing daily activities. The findings in this study indicate the need for out-patient follow-up and rehabilitation for patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, especially in older patients and patients treated in the ICU.
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