Comparison of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Functional Capacity of COVID-19 Survivors with Age-matched Healthy Individuals

Abstract

Background: Much of the importance of COVID-19 treatment has been given to acute care of the problems. Since millions of people are recovering from COVID-19 infection, it becomes a need to investigate whether capability of performing tasks and activities has been affected and/or any residual deficits are present or not. Aims and objectives: This study aimed at comparing COVID-19 survivors with healthy individuals in pulmonary and aerobic capacity parameters by using peak expiratory flow rate and six-minute walk distance as objective measures. Materials and methods: Comparison was done between two groups, one with history of COVID-19 (Group A) and another without history of COVID-19 (Group B), both males and females, who belong to age group of 40–65 years were included. Result: Mean PEFR for group A (374.8 ± 114.27) and for group B (364 ± 70.23) L/min was found. Mean six-minute walk distance for group A (392.28 ± 99.15) and for group B (408.99 ± 97.96) meters was seen. Unpaired t-test result showed non-significant result for both the outcome measures (PEFR, p = 0.689, CI = –43.14 to 64.74 and 6-min walk test (6MWT), p = 0.565, CI = –72.20 to 39.89). Conclusion: There is no significant difference in PEFR and functional capacity found among individuals with and without history of COVID-19 infection.