ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Many stroke survivors require continuous outpatient rehabilitation therapy to maintain or improve their neurological functioning, independ-ence, and quality of life. In Switzerland and many other countries, the shutdown to contain SARS-CoV-2 infections led to mobility restrictions and a decrease in therapy delivery. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on stroke survivors' access to therapy, physical activity, functioning and mood. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study in stroke subjects. At 4 time-points (before, during, after the shutdown, and at 3-month follow-up), the amount of therapy, physical activities, motor func-tion, anxiety, and depression were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-six community-dwelling stroke subjects (median 70 years of age, 10 months post--stroke) were enrolled. Therapy reductions related to the shutdown were reported in 72% of subjects. This decrease was associated with significantly extended sedentary time and minimal deterioration in physical activity during the shutdown. Both parameters improved between reopening and 3-month follow-up. Depressive symptoms increased slightly during the observation period. Patients more frequently report-ed on self-directed training during shutdown. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 shutdown had measurable immediate, but no persistent, effects on post--stroke outcomes, except for depression. Importantly, a 2-month reduction in therapy may trigger improvements when therapy is fully re-initiated thereafter.
