Effects of hospital rehabilitation on functional status of post COVID-19 patients

Aim
Due to the fact that the effects of COVID-19 affect many systems of the human body, the aim of the article was to assess changes in the functional state of patients, who have been admitted to rehabilitation ward no longer than six months after recovery from COVID- 19. Assessment involved physical capacity, functional capacity, risk of falls, well-being, self-esteem according to activities of daily living, risk of depression.

Material and methods
Method used in the study was a diagnostic survey. Techniques included: measurement, interview, direct and indirect observation, questionnaire, documentoscopy. Tools used in the study were: interview questionnaire, 6-Minute Walk Test, observation sheet, survey questionnaire, Borg Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, stopwatch, the Geriatric Depression Rating Scale according to Yesavage et al.

Results
The research showed statistically significant improvement in the efficiency of patients and reduction of fatigue, according to the Borg Scale. The quality of moving has significantly improved and the risk of falls has decreased. Patients rated their fitness higher in performing everyday activities. The risk of depression has decreased statistically.

Conclusions
Outcomes after rehabilitation programme indicate that return to functional fitness of the patients is possible. In assessing the effects of rehabilitation, apart from the physical sphere, the mental sphere of each person should also be taken into account. The better results of rehabilitation are achieved both in physically and mentally sphere, the better the general functional state of the patients will be.