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Long-term effects of mild and moderate COVID-19 on static and dynamic balance
Fatemeh Eskandari1, Leila Abbasi2, Narges Meftahi2
1Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
Introduction:
COVID-19 affects both musculoskeletal and central nervous systems. However, there is no research on its impact on balance in mild to moderate cases. This study aims to compare static and dynamic balance, as well as fall risk, between individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19 and those without the disease.
Methods:
in this case control study 30 subjects (25-45 years old) with mild to moderate severity of covid-19 and 30 healthy subjects were compared. Outcome measures of Timed Up & Go, Timed Unipedal Stance Test and the overall sway & stability index via Biodex balance device were used to evaluate static and dynamic balance and risk of fall.
Results:
Significant differences between groups were observed in most Biodex indexes: Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB): modes 1, 3, and 4 (p ≤ 0.001). Fall Risk Test (FRT): with eyes open/closed, on normal/narrow surfaces (p < 0.05). Unipedal Stance Test (UPST): with eyes open (p = 0.023) and closed (p = 0.00).
Discussion:
All indicators of balance and fall risk were different in covid-19 patients than healthy people except the mCTSIB test mode 2 (p = 0.11) and TUG test (p = 0.33). In simple activities, balance disorder due to Covid-19 is not evident, but in more detailed tests, it is effective even with moderate and mild severity.
Conclusion:
Even after 3-6 months of the recovery, there were significant differences in overall sway & stability index between people with covid-19 and healthy subjects.
