Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: October-December | Volume: 7 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 24-32
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/gijhsr.20221005
Assessment of Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Post COVID-19 Patients Using 6MWT And SF-36
Vidhi Dinesh Jain1, Leena Zore2
1Physiotherapist; DPO’s Nett college of Physiotherapy; Thane; Maharashtra
2Associate professor, DPO’s Nett college of Physiotherapy; Thane; Maharashtra
Corresponding Author: Vidhi Dinesh Jain
ABSTRACT
Background: After the COVID-19 infection there are some changes in the lung parenchyma, cardiovascular structures and musculoskeletal units which can lead to complications and alter one’s functional capacity and quality of life. However, there is a scarce amount of evidence on long term effects of COVID-19 on one’s regular functional abilities. Therefore, this study aims to assess post-COVID-19 infected patient’s functional capacity and Quality of life.
Methodology: This observational study assessed the functional capacity and quality of life of post-COVID-19 patients affected in past 1 to 6 months using 6 Minute Walk Test & SF-36 questionnaire respectively. 75 COVID-19 patients were segregated into mild, moderate and severe cases; with 25 patients in each category. 6 minute walk distance was measured and compared with the estimated 6 minute walk distance using the Indian population formula. SF-36 was measured under 8 specific dimensions of the questionnaire.
Results: The mean difference between the walked distance and the estimated distance was, 71.53±36.01 in mildly affected patients, 117.52±47.43 in moderately affected patients and, 203.819±54.35 in severely affected patients. Therefore, severely infected COVID-19 patients had maximally affected functional capacity and quality of life, followed by moderately and mildly infected patients who had comparatively better functional capacity and quality of life.
Conclusion: The study clearly illustrated that both the functional capacity and quality of life of the patients are lowered after the COVID-19 infection, that is COVID-19 has long term effects on the human body. Moreover, there is an evident declination in 6 MWD and SF-36 scores from mild, moderate to severe, with severe having the least values.
Keywords: COVID-19, functional capacity, quality of life, 6 Minute Walk Test, SF-36.