Body Composition and Physical Performance 1 Year After COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Infectious Diseases
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Long-term physical complaints are known consequences of COVID-19, potentially impacting recovery and quality of life.
• Understanding the trajectory of physical recovery and body composition changes post-COVID-19 is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess body composition and physical ability in patients 12 months after COVID-19 infection.
• To identify factors associated with physical recovery and changes in body composition one year post-COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of patients recovering from mild to severe COVID-19 were assessed 12 months post-infection.
• Evaluations included bioelectrical impedance analysis, the 6-minute walk test, physical performance scales, and quality of life questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Overall physical recovery was good, with high scores on functional outcome scales.
• 44% of patients experienced a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) one year after COVID-19.
• Patients with severe acute COVID-19, particularly those requiring intensive care, showed a higher incidence of BMI increase, worse 6-minute walk test performance, and increased body fat mass compared to those with mild or moderate illness.
• Lack of professional rehabilitation was also associated with a higher frequency of BMI increase.

Conclusions:

• Despite some patients experiencing increased BMI and reduced physical function one year post-COVID-19, overall physical recovery was generally satisfactory.
• Severe COVID-19 illness and absence of rehabilitation are linked to poorer physical outcomes and adverse body composition changes.
• Further research is needed to understand these effects in relation to different SARS-CoV-2 variants.