Previous physical activity level and the functional and physical performance at ICU discharge in COVID-19 patients: an observational study.

Aims and objectives :To evaluate the relationship between the level of physical activity prior to hospitalization with the functional and physical performance of COVID-19 patients at ICU discharge.

Methods: Longitudinal prospective study at a tertiary university hospital. Inclusion criteria: ?18 y/o, ICU admission due to COVID-19, ICU length of stay ?4 days, preserved cognition. Previously dependent patients were excluded. Physical activity level prior to hospitalization was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and subjects were categorized into 3 groups: low, moderate, high. Outcomes were evaluated at ICU discharge: 6-minute step test , 1-minute sit-to-stand test, muscle strength (Medical Research Council, MRC scale and handgrip dynamometry), Barthel Index. Groups were compared with ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis tests.

Results: 45 out of 78 eligible patients were evaluated: mean age 49 (14,5) y/o; 64% male. 25 were classified as low previous level of physical activity, 12 moderate and 8 high. There was no statistically significant difference between groups: 6MST: 27 (14-36) vs. 21 (14-42) vs. 22 (20=88), p=0.708; 1MSST: 13 (5.5) vs. 13.3 (5.9) vs. 14.5 (4.8), p=0.843; MRC scale: 58 (52-60) vs. 57 (51.5-60) vs. 59.5 (57.5-60), p=0.674; handgrip: 20 (14-24) vs. 12 (6-30) vs. 10 (1.75-24.5) kgf, p=0.348; BI: 100 for all groups, p=0.670.

Conclusion: Previous level of physical activity was not associated with functional and physical performance at ICU discharge.