EVALUACIÓN DE LA CAPACIDAD FÍSICA FUNCIONAL DE ADULTOS MAYORES RECUPERADOS DE COVID-19 EN YUCATÁN, MÉXICO

Abstract

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a multisystem infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and characterized by persistent symptoms that can cause musculoskeletal symptoms and influence physical capacity. Aim: To evaluate the functional physical capacity of older adults recovered from COVID-19 in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. Methods: Quantitative cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data and clinical characteristics of the post-COVID process and evolution. To assess physical capacity, the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was applied, which assesses muscle strength, aerobic endurance, flexibility and dynamic balance. Results: 35 women (67%) and 17 men (33%) participated. With respect to SFT, the tests in which normal reference ranges were achieved were those of muscle strength of the lower limbs (N=42, 81%) and upper limbs (N=45, 87%), while those of aerobic capacity and dynamic balance did not reach the normal parameters (N=17, 33% and N=15, 29%, respectively). An association (p=.036) was found between physical exercise and approval of SFT tests. Conclusion: Patients recovered from COVID-19 present musculoskeletal symptoms and impairment in physical capacity, mainly in dynamic balance and aerobic endurance. The latter is linked to post-COVID sequelae and representative of the general state of health due to the involvement of several body systems. It is essential to promote the practice of physical exercise and carry out more research on its effects in older people who were infected with SARS-CoV-2.