Comparison of long-term physical and functional capacities of individuals with COVID-19 in different clinical tables

The decrease in muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, sleep quality values after COVID-19 can still continue as long-term effects in individuals. These problems are more common in individuals diagnosed with ARDS than in individuals with home control. Although complaints can be seen in individuals treated at home in the short term, they are much less common in the long term. In our study, it was aimed to compare the muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life, sleep quality values of individuals at least 9 months after their discharge or quarantine end date. Participants consisted of individuals who had ARDS and were treated in hospital, and individuals who were followed up at home and did not require hospitalization. Persons who had ARDS were formed from individuals who were treated at Medipol Mega University hospital, and individuals who were treated at home were followed by Istanbul Zeytinburnu Family Health Center No. 92. Our study was carried out on the Haliç University campus between March 1, 2022 - June 1, 2022. Forty patients who had passed at least 9 months after COVID-19 were included in the study. Included individuals were formed as 20 persons ARDS group and 20 persons as home quarantine group. Demographic evaluation form, manual muscle test, 6-minute walking test (6MWT), Pittsburgh sleep questionnaire (PUKI), post-COVID-19 functional status scale (PCFS), short form 36 (SF-36) were applied to the participants. No significant difference was observed when demographic information was compared in the study (p>0,05). When the values obtained as a result of manual muscle test were compared, a significant difference was found (p<0,05). When 6MWT values were compared, a significant difference was found in total walking distance, SpO2 (post-test), dyspnea (post-test), quadriceps fatigue (post-test) values (p<0,05). There was no significant difference in PUKI scores (p>0,05). A significant difference was found in PCFS results (p<0,05). A significant difference was found in all sub-parameters of SF-36, except mental health (p<0,05). Apart from the questionnaires, a significant difference was found in the complaints of dyspnea, cough, sputum, fatigue, diarrhea, myalgia, headache and chest pain in the evaluation of the patients (p<0,05). As a result, in our study, it was determined that the ARDS group was more affected by all other effects, except for sleep quality, compared to the home quarantine group, and it still continues.