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J Int Med Res
. 2022 Nov;50(11):3000605221138843.
doi: 10.1177/03000605221138843.
Evaluation of the predictive factors of the short-term effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation in COVID-19 survivors
Valentina Barbieri 1 2 , Luca Scarabel 1 3 , Laura Bertella 1 , Federica Scarpina 4 5 , Nicola Schiavone 3 , Laura Perucca 2 6 , Paolo Rossi 1
Affiliations
- PMID: 36448484
- DOI: 10.1177/03000605221138843
Abstract
Objective: Functional impairments after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) constitute a major concern in rehabilitative settings; however, evidence assessing the efficacy of rehabilitation programs is lacking. The aim of this study was to verify the clinical characteristics that may represent useful predictors of the short-term effectiveness of multidisciplinary rehabilitation.
Methods: In this real-practice retrospective pre-post intervention cohort study, the short-term effectiveness of a multidisciplinary patient-tailored rehabilitation program was assessed through normalized variations in the Functional Independence Measure in post-acute care patients who had overcome severe COVID-19. Biochemical markers, motor and nutritional characteristics, and the level of comorbidity were evaluated as predictors of functional outcome. Length of stay in the rehabilitation ward was also considered.
Results: Following rehabilitation, all participants (n = 53) reported a significant decrease in the level of disability in both motor and cognitive functioning. However, neither motor and nutritional characteristics nor comorbidities played a significant role in predicting the overall positive change registered after rehabilitation.
Conclusions: The results support the existing sparse evidence addressing the importance of an early rehabilitation program for patients who received intensive care and post-acute care due to severe COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19; Functional Independence Measure; functional impairment; multidisciplinary rehabilitation; post-acute care; rehabilitation effectiveness..