Long-Term Effect of Non-Sever COVID-19 on Pulmonary Function, Functional Capacities and Physical Activities. A Cross-Section Study.

Background: The COVID-19 has serious consequences on different body systems particularly the respiratory system with its impact on pulmonary function, functional capacities, physical activities, and personal performance. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of COVID-19 on pulmonary function, functional capacities, and physical activities in patients with non-sever COVID-19, and to evaluate time effect on the associated consequences. Methods: One hundred and sixty individuals were selected to participate in a cross-section study. Group-I: Eighty male and female patients with non-sever COVID-19 at least 3 months after the recovery time. Group-II: Eighty male and female matched participants. The spirometer, six-minute walking test (6MWT), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to assess pulmonary function, functional capacities, and physical activities respectively. Shapiro-Wilk’s test was used to test the normality of data. The Mann-Whitney and Independent t-tests were used to compare the significant differences between both groups. Results: The results show significant differences in pulmonary function, functional capacities, and physical activities, between both COVID-19 and matched groups. Conclusion: Pulmonary function, functional capacities, and physical activities are negatively influenced by COVID-19 as long-term consequences indicating the need for extended health care, and prescription of proper rehabilitative training programs for those patients whatever severity degree of infection or history of hospitalization. Gaining the deepest knowledge enables physical therapists to tailor the proper rehabilitative training programs for such patients. Clinical implications: Outcome reflections of current results raise awareness of physical therapists during prescription of the proper rehabilitative training programs, for such patients.