New research suggests that adults over 50 years of age who have experienced mild to moderate COVID-19 infection are at greater risk of worsening mobility and loss of physical function, even in cases where there was no need to hospitalize the patient to treat the virus.

Research on the mobility of people over 50 after COVID-19 infection

The study authors used data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). They show that the burden on the body after even a mild or moderate COVID-19 infection is so high in people over 50 that it can affect the loss of mobility.

In 2022, scientists conducted a survey among over 24,000 people over the age of 50 across Canada to determine the impact of COVID-19 infection on their mobility. Their findings were published in the journalJAMA Network Open .

The team looked at mobility problems, including difficulty getting up from a chair sitting position, the ability to climb and descend stairs without assistance, and changes in participants' ability to move around the home, engage in housework and physical activity.

Susan Kirkland - co-author of an article considered to be one of the first to assess the relationship between mobility and COVID-19 in people over 50, said:

"We found that even people with mild to moderate disease due to COVID-19 experienced adverse changes in mobility and fitness compared to those without COVID-19 .These findings are noteworthy as they indicate that the negative effects of COVID-19 are much broader. "

The impact of mild and moderate COVID infection on patient mobility - analysis results

Participants who had COVID-19 infection had an almost two-fold risk of worsening mobility and physical function compared to those who did not, although most of them had mild or moderate symptoms. Of the 2,748 people with confirmed, probable, or suspected COVID-19, 94 percent. were not hospitalized.

These people have a decreased ability to engage in domestic activities and physical activity compared to he althy people. Similar results were obtained for people withsuspected COVID-19.

Loss of mobility after COVID-19 - who is at risk?

The results showed that older people with lower incomes, three or more chronic diseases, low physical activity and poor nutrition are at greater risk of mobility problems.

Rehabilitation strategies should be developed for adults who have avoided hospitalization for COVID-19 but still need support to restore their mobility and fitness.

Scientists concluded that there is a need to further understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and consider developing and implementing effective intervention and management approaches to address any persistent mobility and functioning deficits among these people.

Category:

COVID 19