Investigation of Postural Stability in Patients Individuals Who Have Recovered COVID-19

The study aimed to examine postural stability changes in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 infection.

Fifty patients who recovered from the COVID-19 infection and 50 healthy controls were compared using the dizziness handicap inventory (DHI), a modified clinical test of sensory interaction balance (mCTSIB), limits of stability (LOS), rhythmic weight shift (RWS), and Romberg and fall risk (FR) tests.

Regarding mCTSIB, regardless of gender patients, female patients, or male patients, there were no significant differences from controls (p > 0.05). There was a significant difference in LOS between the patients and controls regarding (p < 0.05) in some parameters. There was a significant difference between the patients and controls concerning RWS (p < 0.05) for some parameters. There was a significant difference between the patients and controls regarding the Romberg test in some parameters (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the patients and control groups regarding FR.

Studies in which the effects of COVID-19 infection sequels have been evaluated on the vestibular system in the literature are subjective. The main concern is the prevalence of dizziness or vertigo in subjective studies. There may be a decrease in postural reflexes in female individuals who recovered from the COVID-19 infection in this study, thanks to the objective test measurement. Increased oscillations with eyes closed on regular ground and soft ground in the Romberg test may likely indicate vestibular problems.