Physical Function, Cognitive Function, and Daily Activities in Patients Hospitalized Due to COVID-19: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study in Sweden

Abstract

An estimated 14–20% of people infected with COVID-19 require medical care. The aim of the present study was to evaluate physical function, cognitive function, and daily activities in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, and to investigate differences depending on age and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). This prospective descriptive cross-sectional study included a consecutive sample of 211 patients (mean age 65.1 years, 67.3% men) hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Sweden. Data regarding physical function and daily activities were collected in hospital from July 2020 to February 2021. The average length of hospital stay was 33.8 days, and 48.8% of the patients were admitted to the ICU. Physical function (grip- and lower body strength) was reduced in both groups, and significantly more in the older group, ≥65 years old, compared to the younger. Furthermore, the older group also had significantly less ability to perform activities in daily life, and had significantly reduced cognitive function as compared to the younger age group. In patients treated in the ICU, physical impairments as well as the activity level were significantly more pronounced compared to patients not treated in the ICU. Patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 are physically impaired, have mild cognitive impairments, and have difficulties performing daily activities. The findings in this study indicate the need for out-patient follow-up and rehabilitation for patients hospitalized due to COVID-19, especially in older patients and patients treated in the ICU.

Self-Assessed Aspects of Health 3 Months after COVID-19 Hospitalization—A Swedish Cross-Sectional Study

“…Data from similar population at hospital discharge, demonstrated physical impairments, cognitive difficulties and activity limitations [2] most prominent in ICU-treated and older patients. However, 3 months after hospital discharge, these differences were not seen between ICU-treated patients and others, despite the use of PROMs.…”

“…This cross-sectional study included patients enrolled in the longitudinal project "Life in the time of Covid study in Gothenburg" (GOT-LOCO) [2]. The project includes 211 patients treated for COVID-19 in hospitals throughout the Västra Götalands region (VGR), a catchment area of 1.67 million, in Sweden.…”

“…Consequences of severe COVID-19 infection may require hospitalization [1] and result in impaired physical and cognitive function, as well as limitations in activities of daily living [2][3][4]. These impairments have been shown to be most prominent in elderly patients and patients who have required treatment in intensive care units (ICUs) [2]. Although COVID-19 patients benefit from in-hospital rehabilitation [4], most patients do not qualify for this.…”

Recovering from COVID-19 – A Process Characterised by Uncertainty: A Qualitative study

“…Persons hospitalized due to COVID-19 were recruited for the Life in the Time of COVID study in Gothenburg (GOT-LOCO) ( 21 ). The inclusion criteria of the GOT-LOCO study were: patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to hospital between July 2020 and February 2021 within the Västra Götaland region (9 units) in Sweden, non-contagious when enrolled, expected hospital care periods ≥ 5 days, ≥ 18 years old and previously lived independently.…”

Back to life: Is it possible to be myself again? A qualitative study with persons initially hospitalised due to COVID-19

“…Purposive sampling was used to enrol persons from the Life in the Time of COVID study in Gothenburg (GOT-LOCO) cohort, who had been discharged from hospital approximately 6 months previously, were of general working age (18–65 years) and had persistent self-reported symptoms at a 3-month follow-up. The GOT-LOCO cohort included persons previously hospitalized due to COVID-19 (July 2020 to February 2021) in the Västra Götaland Region (Sweden), were non-contagious when enrolled, an expected care period of 5 days or more, were 18 years or older and lived in their own housing prior to hospitalization ( 20 ). Patients who were unable to provide informed consent, had an expected 1-year mortality prognosis, or were not Swedish residents, were excluded.…”