Characteristics and physical deconditioning of Long COVID patients in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient service from Peru: A cross-sectional study

Background and objective: Physical deconditioning in Long COVID patients seems to be the main cause of impaired exercise capacity. Despite its relevance, we do not have studies to understand how it is manifesting in our country. Therefore, our objective was to describe the characteristics and physical deconditioning of Long COVID patients in a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) outpatient service in Peru. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort of Long COVID patients treated by PM&R at EsSalud between July 2 and October 27, 2021. We reviewed the medical records and extracted the variables of interest. Results: We included 104 patients (median age: 61 years, male: 62.5%). 99% had adequate cognitive function, 76% reported comorbidities, 85.6% reported mild or no functional limitation, 91.4% reported independence or mild dependence for basic activities of daily living, and 51% underwent post-discharge physiotherapy. The most frequent signs or symptoms were pain, cough, arrhythmia, and muscle weakness. 58% had reduced aerobic power, 45.6% had reduced flexibility, 22.5% had reduced anaerobic power, and 6.2% had reduced balance. The reduction in aerobic power and balance was statistically significant in those over 60 years of age. Conclusions: Physical deconditioning was a frequent complication in Long COVID patients, especially in those assessed for aerobic power and flexibility. In those over 60 years old, a significant reduction in aerobic power and balance was observed.