[Effect of rehabilitation on functionality/quality of life in stroke due to COVID-19]

COVID-19 can present neurological complications of the central nervous system. Ischemic-type strokes have been reported in this population. Neurological rehabilitation participates in the functional recovery and improvement of the quality of life of these patients.

To measure the functionality and quality of life of patients with ischemic stroke due to COVID-19.

An observational, prospective and longitudinal study of patients with ischemic stroke admitted to a neurological rehabilitation program was carried out. The Barthel index, the modified Rankin Scale and the SF-12 were used to monitor functionality and quality of life. To compare the proportions of patients with functional independence, the McNemar test was used; for SF-12 scores, Student's t test was used for related data or Wilcoxon test, depending on their normality. A p < 0.05 was significant.

21 patients were included; mean age was 53.57 ± 12.2 years; they were predominantly male (66.7%). The percentage of patients with higher degrees of independence in daily and functional life increased, both in the Barthel index (p < 0.01) and in the modified Rankin scale (p < 0.01) at the third month of follow-up. There was an improvement in the quality of life in its physical component (p = 0.02), as well as in the dimensions of general health (p = 0.01) and mental health (p = 0.04).

Patients with stroke due to COVID-19 admitted to the neurological rehabilitation program presented improvement in functional independence and increased their quality of life in their physical component at 3-month follow-up.