Impact of Duration of Recovery from COVID-19 Infection on Physical Performance in Post-COVID-19 Patients

Background: To evaluate and compare cardiorespiratory function, assessed by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and musculoskeletal function, assessed by the handgrip strength test and the sit-to-stand test (STS10) in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Participants were stratified based on the time since infection (≤6 months and >6 months) and compared with matched healthy controls. Methods: A total of 111 participants were recruited and divided into three groups (n = 37/group). Cardiorespiratory function was assessed using the 6MWT, while musculoskeletal function was evaluated through the handgrip strength test and the STS10. Results: All three groups had normal body mass index values. Group 2 demonstrated significantly lower handgrip strength and a shorter 6MWT distance compared to both Group 1 and Group 3. Additionally, Group 2 required significantly more time to complete the STS10 than Group 1. Following the 6MWT, Group 2 exhibited significantly higher heart rate and systolic blood pressure compared to both Group 1 and Group 3. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower in Group 3 compared to the other two groups. Furthermore, Group 2 had significantly lower pulse oxygen saturation than both Group 1 and Group 3. The rate of perceived exertion was significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 2. Additionally, leg fatigue was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to both Group 2 and Group 3. Conclusions: These findings highlight significant differences in physical performance and physiological responses between post-COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals, emphasizing the potential long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal function.