Background: Impairments occur after both severe and mild COVID-19 infection. Longitudinal studies in non-hospitalised individuals are still warranted.

Aim: To evaluate long-term impact on physical function, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-reported physical activity in non-hospitalised individuals with post COVID-19 condition.

Method: Data from assessments conducted in median 10 and 26 months after illness onset at Karolinska University Hospital were analysed. Physical function was assessed using spirometry, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and mMRC dyspnea scale (0-4). HRQoL was assessed with EQ5D VAS (0-100) and self-reported physical activity with Frändin/Grimby activity scale (1-6).

Results: Mean age was 44 years and 88 % were women (n=103). Prior to infection 5 % were on full-time sick leave compared to 50 % at first assessment and 34 % at follow-up. Median BMI at first assessment was 25 and 69 % had never smoked. Spirometry was normal at both assessments. Improvements between first assessment and follow-up were seen in 6MWT (77 % vs 84 % of predicted distance, n=98, p<0.05), MIP (84 % vs 95 % of predicted, n=103, p<0.001), mMRC dyspnea (3 vs 2, n=62, p<0.001) and EQ5D VAS (30 vs 40, n=57, p<0.001). Self-reported physical activity was unchanged between first assessment and follow-up (2 vs 3), but was lower than before infection (5, n=99, p<0.001). 

Conclusion: Physical function and HRQoL improved over time, but remained impaired after 2 years, in non-hospitalised individuals with post COVID-19 condition. Self-reported physical activity decreased after infection and did not improve over time. Future studies on treatment and rehabilitation are needed.