ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 ICU patients present respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness both during hospitalisation and following discharge. However, few studies have evaluated muscle strength in non-ICU hospitalised patients. Aim(s): To report the incidence of muscle weakness in non-ICU hospitalised patients and investigate the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on respiratory and peripheral muscle strength. Method(s): Maximum static inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) muscle pressures, quadriceps muscle force (QF), and handgrip strength were assessed in 21 patients (age: 56+/-12 yrs.) previously hospitalised with COVID-19, 94+/-32 days following discharge. Fifteen out of 21 patients were re-assessed three months later (10 following a PR program and 5 who declined PR and recovered at home (UC)). Result(s): 12/21 patients (57%) had reduced MIP and 18/21 patients (86%) reduced MEP (both <80% pred) (Wilson et al., Thorax 1984;39:535-538). Eleven patients (52%) had reduced QF and handgrip strength (both <80% pred). Data from the 3-month follow up period are presented in table 1. Conclusion(s): A number of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 presented with respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness 3 months following discharge. PR programme improved respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in these patients.