Assessment of functional fitness impacted by hospital rehabilitation in post-stroke patients who additionally contracted COVID-19.

ABSTRACT

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of rehabilitation in post-stroke patients, or post-stroke patients with simultaneous COVID-19 infection, in relation to improved locomotion efficiency, improved balance, reduced risk of falling as well as the patients' more effective performance in everyday activities. Methods: The study involved 60 patients in the early period (2-3 months) after a stroke. Group I consisted of 18 patients (30.0%) who, in addition to a stroke, also contracted COVID-19. Group II consisted of 42 patients (70%) post-stroke, with no SARS-CoV2 infection. The effects were assessed on the basis of Tinetti test, Timed Up & Go test and Barthel scale. Results: Both groups achieved a statistically significant improvement in their Barthel score after therapy (p < 0.001). The Tinetti test, assessing gait and balance, showed that participants in Group I improved their score by an average of 4.22 points. ±4.35, and in Group II, on average, by 3.48 points ± 3.45 points. In the Timed Up & Go test over a distance of 3 m, significant improvement was achieved in both groups, as well but the effect was higher in Group I (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Hospital rehabilitation in the early period after stroke improved locomotion efficiency and balance, and reduced the risk of falls in post-stroke patients, both with and without COVID-19 infection.