ABSTRACT
Background: COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system. However, persistent extrapulmonary (musculoskeletal and cardiovascular) conditions have been reported. Objective: To determine the most frequent cardiorespiratory and neuromusculoskeletal symptoms in patients with post-acute COVID 19 in a rehabilitation center. Material and methods: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of post-acute COVID-19 patients was carried out. Clinical-demographic data, cardiorespiratory and neuromusculoskeletal symptoms were collected upon admission to the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program. Descriptive statistics and association tests were used through the Chi squared test, taking p < 0.05 as significant. Results: 262 files were collected. The age was 49.9 +/- 11.5 years. There was a predominance of males (69.8%). The most prevalent symptoms, in the different degrees of severity (mild, moderate, severe and critical, respectively) were MRC 3 dyspnea (30.4%, 56.8%, 43.1% and 42.9%), weakness (60.9%, 59.5%, 56.9 % and 87.8%), and paresthesias (65.2%, 56.8%, 49.7% and 75.5%). SARS-CoV-2 critical infection was associated with a higher presentation of weakness (p < 0.01), paresthesias (p = 0.01), and dependency in activities of daily living (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The most frequent cardiorespiratory and neuromusculoskeletal symptoms in patients with post-acute COVID were dyspnea and paresthesias. Critical infection by SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a greater presentation of weakness, paresthesias and dependence on activities of daily living.