The Impact of Isolation on Elderly Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19

Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who require hospitalization are prone to physical inactivity. This study examined the impact of mild to moderate COVID-19 on the activities of daily living (ADLs) of patients who received rehabilitation therapy.

Between February 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, of 216 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, 36 were selected for rehabilitation therapy. Of these, 28 received direct rehabilitation therapy, whereas 7 were discharged before rehabilitation therapy could start and 1 carried out indirect rehabilitation. The Barthel Index (BI) scores at the beginning and the end of therapy were compared in 18 patients (10 patients who did not undergo a final BI evaluation were excluded).

In total, 27 of the 28 patients receiving direct rehabilitation therapy were more than 65 years of age or had underlying diseases. The BI score decreased in 6 patients and was maintained or improved in 12 patients. However, the 6 patients with decreased BI scores after rehabilitation therapy had significantly higher BI values at the start of therapy (P=0.014).

It was considered that the isolated environment of these COVID-19 patients likely resulted in a decrease in activity levels, leading to a decrease in ADLs. Older adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 need to reduce their isolation as much as possible to ensure adequate activity levels.