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. 2023 Jun;19(2):279-303.
doi: 10.1177/17423953221089309. Epub 2022 Apr 11.

A systematic review on physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors

Katna de Oliveira Almeida  1   2 , Iura Gonzalez Nogueira Alves  2   3 , Rodrigo Santos de Queiroz  1   2 , Marcela Rodrigues de Castro  2   4 , Vinicius Afonso Gomes  2   5 , Fabiane Costa Santos Fontoura  2   5 , Carlos Brites  1 , Mansueto Gomes Neto  1   2   6
Affiliations

A systematic review on physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors

Katna de Oliveira Almeida et al. Chronic Illn. 2023 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the published studies that investigated the physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life in COVID-19 survivors.

Design: Systematic review.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, and Cochrane Library for studies that evaluated the physical function, activities of daily living and health-related quality of life after COVID-19 from the earliest date available to July 2021. Two independent reviewers screened and selected the studies. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate methodological quality.

Results: We included 35 studies in this systematic review. Of the 35 studies included, 28 were cohort, and 7 cross-sectional studies The studies demonstrated that COVID-19 survivors had reduced levels of physical function, activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life. Furthermore, incomplete recovery of physical function, and performance in activities of daily living were observed 1 to 6 months post-infection.

Discussion: Physical disability and reduction in health-related quality of life is a common condition in post-COVID-19 and impairments may persist up to 1 to 6 months. Researchers and clinicians can use these findings to understand the potential disabilities and rehabilitation needs of people recovering from the COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; disability and health; international classification of functioning; post-acute COVID-19 syndrome; quality of life.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Search and selection of studies for systematic review according to PRISMA.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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