Prospective analysis of post-COVID-19 hospitalization: Impact on pulmonary function, physical performance and overall functionality

• Restrictive lung disease is common after severe COVID-19. • Lung function improves over one year, but impairment often persists. • Physical performance improves, especially in restrictive lung disease. • Functional limitations persist in some patients after one year. • Long-term follow-up and rehabilitation are essential after COVID-19 hospitalization. COVID-19 can lead to enduring long-term effects, particularly in severe cases requiring hospitalization. This study contrasts Normal lung Patterns (NP) with Restrictive lung Disease (RD) regarding the evolution of physical performance and functionality post-COVID-19 hospitalization. This is a prospective cohort study. Individuals post-COVID-19 were evaluated at 1- and 12-months post-discharge. Data collection included analysis of lung function, physical performance, functionality, and clinical data. Of the 185 participants initially assessed, 62 attended the final evaluation. At 1 month post-discharge, 57 (92%) had been admitted to the ICU and 47 (76%) exhibited RD. After 12-months, RD decreased to 20 (32%). Both groups showed improved Sit-to-Stand repetitions (p = 0.002). A substantial percentage (28%) of participants with RD experienced functional impairments at one month, with a notable proportion maintaining these limitations after one year (15%). Almost half of individuals with RD (43%) still exhibited this pulmonary alteration after one year (RD 20/47). Additionally, RD participants demonstrated decreased physical performance at one month (15%), with only a fraction (5%) showing improvement after one year. Finally, these results pointed out the necessity of long-term follow-up regarding the recovery trajectory of post-COVID patients. Furthermore, there is a clear need to offer specific rehabilitation focusing on pulmonary, physical performance and functionality.