The following is a summary of “Functionality, physical activity, fatigue and quality of life in patients with acute COVID-19 and Long COVID infection,” published in the November 2023 Pain issue by Vélez-Santamaría et al.

The profound impact of COVID-19 on individuals extends beyond its acute phase, often leading to a notable decline in the quality of life owing to diminished functionality and persistent fatigue, thereby impeding routine activities. This study aims to juxtapose the functional status, extent of physical activity, fatigue levels, and quality of life among long-term COVID-19 patients against those who experienced an acute phase of COVID-19 without developing persistent symptoms. Additionally, it seeks to delineate the interrelationship between these variables and quality of life.

Conducted as a cross-sectional investigation, this study enrolled 170 participants who contracted COVID-19 or developed Long COVID. Central to the research were assessments of functionality, physical activity, QoL, and fatigue, gauged via the PostCOVID-19 Functional Status Scale (PCFS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Short Form 12 (SF-12), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), respectively.

The findings uncovered compelling evidence (p < 0.001) underscoring a significant correlation between diminished functionality, reduced physical activity levels, heightened fatigue severity, and poorer QoL in individuals grappling with long-term COVID. Moreover, these identified variables exhibited associations with declining QoL, with functional status emerging as the sole predictor.

In summary, the results underscore robust correlations between the cohort affected by COVID-19 and those grappling with long-term COVID-19, highlighting stark parallels in terms of functional status, physical activity levels, QoL, and fatigue. Specifically, the study illuminated pronounced interdependencies among these factors, particularly in Long COVID cases, emphasizing the critical role of functional status in predicting QoL outcomes. These insights shed light on the multifaceted impact of COVID-19 and long-term COVID-19 on individuals’ lives, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions and comprehensive care strategies to address these complex health challenges.

Source: nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47218-1