Abstract:
Objective: To analyze the published studies that investigated the physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors.
Design: Systematic review.
Methods: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Cochrane Library for studies that evaluated the physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life after COVID-19 from the earliest date available to July 2021. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the studies. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate methodological quality.
Results: We included 35 studies in this systematic review. Of the 35 studies included, 28 were cohort, and 7 cross-sectional studies The studies demonstrated that COVID-19 survivors had reduced levels of physical function, activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, incomplete recovery of physical function, and performance in activities of daily living were observed 1 to 6 months post-infection.
Discussion: Physical disability and reduction in health-related quality of life is a common condition in post-COVID-19 and impairments may persist up to 1 to 6 months. Researchers and clinicians can use these findings to understand the potential disabilities and rehabilitation needs of people recovering from the COVID-19.
Source: de Oliveira Almeida K, Nogueira Alves IG, de Queiroz RS, de Castro MR, Gomes VA, Santos Fontoura FC, Brites C, Neto MG. A systematic review on physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors. Chronic Illn. 2022 Apr 11:17423953221089309. doi: 10.1177/17423953221089309. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35404175; PMCID: PMC9006095. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9006095/ (Full text)