# Factors Influencing Physical Performance and Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Patients

## TL;DR

This study explores how factors like age, gender, and muscle strength affect the quality of life in people who had mild, non-hospitalized cases of COVID-19.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific physical and demographic factors influencing post-COVID-19 quality of life and physical performance.

## Key findings

- Hand grip strength was negatively associated with gender and age but positively with the duration of COVID-19.
- Quadricep strength showed a negative association with gender and the duration of the infection.
- Older adults reported better quality of life despite reduced muscle strength, especially in women.

## Abstract

Background: This study aims to identify the factors related to demographic variables and physical performance associated with quality of life (QoL) in post-COVID-19 pa-tients who have recovered from mild infection and were not hospitalized. Methods: Seventy-four post-COVID-19 individuals who recovered from mild COVID-19 infec-tion were assessed for the baseline demographic variables (age, sex, height, weight, body mass index; BMI) and clinical information (comorbidities, duration of COVID-19 infection, and exercise habits). Vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen sat-uration; SpO2) were measured. Physical performance was evaluated for upper- and lower-limb muscle strength, ability of balance, and cardiorespiratory performance. All participants were assessed for QoL. Results: Hand grip strength was negatively asso-ciated with gender and age while positively associated with the duration of COVID-19. Quadricep strength also showed a negative association with gender and duration of COVID-19. Age was positively associated with multiple quality of life dimensions, while emotional role limitations were negatively associated with the duration of COVID-19 and waist circumference. Mental health was negatively linked to BMI. Conclusions: This study highlights the complex impact of COVID-19 on physical per-formance and QoL, revealing that older adults often report better QoL despite reduced muscle strength, particularly in women. The findings emphasize the need for targeted rehabilitation programs addressing both physical and emotional health for vulnerable groups.