Abstract

Introduction: A better understanding of cognitive impairment and upper limb motor skills in Long-COVID patients is needed.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cognitive impairment and upper limb motor function in COVID patients.

Methods: In this observational study, Long COVID patients from the autonomic Long COVID association were included. Cognitive impairment was assessed by Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Upper limb motor skills included manual dexterity (assessed by Coin Rotation Test (CRT) and Finger Tapping Test (FTT)), upper extremity coordination (Finger-to-Nose Test (FNT)), and motor functioning (Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FMUE)).

Results: Finally, a total of 25 women with a mean age of 43.93 years participated in the study. The mean MoCA total score was 24,44 ± 4,37. Cognitive impairment showed a strong positive correlation with CRT (r=0,595, p<0,001), FTT (r=0,579, p<0,001), and FNT (r=0,598, p<0,001). A significant fair positive correlation was found between MoCA and FMUE (r=0,368, p=0,05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that exist a relationship between cognitive impairment and upper-limb motor skills in Long COVID patients.