Investigation of balance, reaction time and concentration parameters of individuals with COVID-19 infection

The aim of this study was to analyze the balance, reaction time and concentration parameters of individuals who have had COVID-19 infection and to compare these individuals with the control group. A total of 112 individuals, 56 individuals previously diagnosed with COVID-19 with PCR test (28 male, 28 female) and 56 healthy individuals, between the ages of 18 and 26 participated in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19-related information of the individuals in both groups were recorded. Reaction time was evaluated with Light Trainer Exercises System, attention and concentration performance was evaluated with d2 attention test and static and dynamic balance were evaluated with flamingo balance test and y balance test, respectively. It was found that individuals who have had COVID-19 had statistically significant lower psychomotor speed value (p=0,016), psychomotor speed percentage (p=0,029), achievement score percentage (p=0,032) attention and concentration parameters than the control group. It was found that in reaction time performance, upper extremity mean reaction time (p=0,00), upper extremity fastest reaction time (p=0,00), upper extremity final reaction time (p=0,04), upper extremity number of deflated modules (p=0,00), lower extremity mean reaction time (p=0,00), lower extremity fastest reaction time (p=0,00), lower extremity final reaction time (p=0,00), lower extremity number of deflated modules (p=0,00) values were statistically significant lower in COVID-19 group when compared with the control group. In terms of balance performance, y balance test anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial, total reach value and Flamingo balance test values were found to be statistically significant lower in the COVID-19 group when compared with the control group. As a result of the study, it was found that balance, reaction time and attention and concentration parameters psychomotor speed and achievement scores of individuals between 18 and 26 years of age who had COVID-19 infection were negatively affected when compared with healthy individuals of the same age. Keywords: Attention and concentration, Balance, COVID-19, Reaction time.