Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation Improves Mobility and Gait Performance: Evidence from TUG and 10MWT

Background and Objectives: COVID-19 has been associated with prolonged inactivity and reduced physical performance, even in mild and moderate cases. This study aimed to evaluate changes in functional mobility and gait speed, assessed with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT), in patients with mild to moderate post-COVID-19 conditions undergoing a structured rehabilitation program. Materials and Methods: A controlled observational study was conducted on 193 patients (115 women, 78 men) who had recovered from mild to moderate COVID-19. Participants were divided into a rehabilitation group (n = 160) and a control group (n = 33) who did not undergo structured physical therapy. Functional performance was assessed with TUG and 10MWT at admission and at one-year follow-up. Results: Both tests showed significant improvements following rehabilitation. In the rehabilitation group, the proportion of patients classified as functionally independent increased significantly for both the TUG (Cramér's V = 0.468, p < 0.001) and 10MWT (Cramér's V = 0.500, p < 0.001). The McNemar test confirmed a moderate within-group improvement for 10MWT (p = 0.001). Older adults (≥60 years) exhibited functional gains comparable to younger participants. A strong association between final TUG and 10MWT categories (Cramér's V = 0.40, p < 0.001) confirmed the consistency of outcomes. Conclusions: Structured rehabilitation significantly improves balance, gait speed, and functional independence in mild-to-moderate post-COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight that rehabilitation should be integrated into the continuum of post-COVID care, as meaningful recovery is achievable even outside severe cases.