Comparison of functional status, physical performance and quality of life in individuals with acute covid infection and long-term covid

This study was planned to compare the functional status, physical performance and quality of life of individuals with acute Covid-19 infection and those with long-covid. 94 volunteers between the ages of 18-65 were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups as acute covid group (n=53) and long covid group (n=41). Post Covid-19 Functional Scale was used to assess the functional status of the participants after Covid-19 infection, 30-second sit-to-stand test was used to assess their physical performance, and Short Form-36 questionnaire was used to assess their quality of life. It was observed that physical performance and functional status were more affected in the long Covid group participants compared to the acute Covid group participants. (p<0.05) It was observed that the long Covid group participants were more affected in all parameters of physical function, physical role difficulty, emotional role difficulty, vitality, mental health, social functioning, pain, and general health compared to the participants in the acute Covid group. (p<0.05) In the light of the information obtained from our study, it is recommended to address Covid-19 infection holistically, to create a multidisciplinary treatment program to improve the quality of life, to organize appropriate exercise programs that will improve physical performance, as well as respiratory exercises, especially for patients suffering from long-term covid.