Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate postural balance and functional muscle strength over 1 year following hospital discharge due to COVID-19 and identify possible differences depending on age, sex, and level of hospital care. DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: A total of 164 participants were included. METHODS: Postural balance, functional leg strength, and functional hand strength were evaluated. Change over time and differences between groups were investigated. RESULTS: At the 1-year follow-up postural balance was improved (p = 0.001), as well as strength in the hands (p = 0.001), and legs (p = 0.001). Participants treated at an intensive care unit (ICU) had impaired functional muscle strength in the hands but not in the legs 1 year after discharge. Functional muscle strength in dominant hand on discharge, age, and previous level of physical activity were associated with having more impaired functional muscle strength in the dominant hand 1 year after discharge. CONCLUSION: Functional muscle strength and postural balance after COVID-19 improved significantly from discharge to the 1-year follow-up although nearly half of the patients still had impaired functional muscle strength 1 year after COVID-19 hospitalization. TRIAL REGISTRATION: FoU i Sverige (Research & Development in Sweden, Registration number: 274476, registered 2020-05-28).