Evaluation of the Relationship Between Daily Physical Activity Level and Laboratory Factors and the Length of Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19

Background: Different degrees of disorders are reported in the respiratory, physical, and psychological functions of patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With the experience of improved and discharged COVID-19 patients, physical activity and sports are considered as one of the factors in controlling chronic mental and physical illnesses. Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the impact of the level of physical activity on some important clinical parameters and convalescence. Methods: Overall, 71 patients with COVID-19 under the age of 65 years admitted to the hospital with positive PCR were included in the study. Based on Beck’s questionnaire, patients were divided into two groups of (1) low and (2) moderate to high physical activity. The duration of hospitalization and some important clinical tests were examined at the time of hospitalization and discharge. The patients were then monitored until discharge. Results: Statistical analyses showed that people with moderate to high physical activity were discharged earlier than the group with low physical activity (P < 0.01). Moreover, patients with moderate to high physical activity had lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate than the group with low physical activity at discharge (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Moderate to high physical activity can significantly reduce the length of hospitalization by improving the immune system to fight COVID-19. However, the factors that can be examined in expressing the reason for this finding need further studies. © 2021, Middle East Journal of Rehabilitation and Health Studies.

Neurological manifestations of COVID-19: A case series

Although the respiratory system is preferentially affected by SARS-CoV-2, many patients have been presented with neurologic symptoms. In this report, we describe COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations. Here, we present 14 patients referred to Semnan Kowsar Hospital, Iran. The mean age was 54.25 ± 20.01 years. At admission, they had mild symptoms of respiratory involvement with a wide range of neurological conditions like impaired consciousness, seizure, stroke, ataxia, and muscle numbness. After hospitalization, they developed overt respiratory symptoms. They were positive for COVID-19. All patients received standard care of COVID-19. During SARS-CoV-2 pandemic disease, clinicians should be aware of the neurological manifestations of COVID-19. © 2020 Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Anesthesiology Research Center. All right reserved.