Physical Health in Patients with Post-COVID-19 6 and 12 Months after an Inpatient Rehabilitation: An Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation is an effective and feasible approach for post-COVID patients to improve physical health. However, knowledge regarding the long-term impact of rehabilitation on the physical health of these patients is lacking. Methods: Changes in physical health of 127 patients with COVID-19 as an occupational disease or work accident were assessed in a longitudinal observational study. Post-COVID symptoms, functional status, functional exercise capacity, endurance capacity, physical performance, quadricep strength, handgrip strength, motor balance ability, and self-reported physical performance were examined at the beginning as well as 6 and 12 months after the rehabilitation. Group differences concerning sex, age, acute COVID status, comorbidities prior to COVID-19, and aftercare interventions were also analysed. Results: Even 12 months after rehabilitation, the prevalence of post-COVID symptoms (28.6–94.7%) remained remarkably high in the study population. Significant improvements in various aspects of physical health were observed 6 (r = 0.288–0.755) and 12 months (r = 0.189–0.681) after the rehabilitation. Participants demonstrated enhanced endurance, strength, and balance function, as well as improvement in subjective physical ability. Significant group differences were observed between younger and older patients, those with mild–moderate and severe–critical COVID-19, and patients with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, psychological disease, neuro-sensory disease, musculoskeletal disease, and exercising in an outpatient group. Conclusions: The study identifies persistent challenges in COVID-19 recovery, despite significant improvements in physical health 6 and 12 months after rehabilitation. Further research and the implementation of standardised approaches are required to enhance the outcomes of post-COVID rehabilitation, with a focus on developing personalised care strategies for long-term recovery.