Quality of life, exercise capacity, cognition, and mental health of Chilean patients after COVID-19: an experience of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program at a physical and rehabilitation medicine unit
| dc.contributor.author | Valeria Paéz | |
| dc.contributor.author | Maria Rodriguez Fernandez | |
| dc.contributor.author | Diego Morales | |
| dc.contributor.author | Camillo Torres | |
| dc.contributor.author | Andrés Ardiles | |
| dc.contributor.author | Sergio Soza | |
| dc.contributor.author | Cynthia Bustos | |
| dc.contributor.author | Fernanda Manríquez | |
| dc.contributor.author | Cesar García | |
| dc.contributor.author | Rossana Rocco | |
| dc.contributor.author | Morin Lang | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-10-20T14:16:29Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-10-20T14:16:29Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2023 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Post-COVID disabilities, encompassing physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects, constitute the primary health sequelae for survivors. While the rehabilitation needs post COVID-19 are now well understood, each country possesses unique characteristics in terms of populations, healthcare systems, social dynamics, and economic profiles, necessitating context-specific recommendations. This study aims to address two main objectives: (1) analyze the impact of an 8-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on the quality of life, functional capacity, cognition, and mental health adaptations in adults recovering from COVID-19 in northern Chile, and (2) propose a personalized model for predicting program dropouts and responses. Methods: A total of 44 subjects were enrolled, forming two groups during the study: a treatment group (n = 32) and a dropout group (n = 12). The treatment group participated in the 8-week multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. Results: The results indicate that (1) After 8 weeks, the quality of life of the patients in the treatment group exhibited significant improvements reflected in all aspects of the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF36, p < 0.005) and the total score (p < 0.001), with a concurrent decrease in dysfunctionality (p < 0.001). (2) Significant improvements were also observed in various physical performance tests, including the: 6-minute walk test, 1-min sit-to-stand, dynamometry, Tinetti balance, and Berg score (p < 0.001). Moreover, physical therapy led to a reduction in neuropathic symptoms and pain, psychological therapy reduced anxiety and depression, and language therapy enhanced memory and speech (all p < 0.05). (3) Demographic and clinical history characteristics did not predict responses to rehabilitation. (4) A regression model for predicting changes in SF- 36 total score, based on physical function, physical role, general health, and mental health, was established based on the data from study (p < 0.01, adjusted R2 = 0.893). (5) Classification models for predicting dropouts achieved 68% accuracy, with key predictors of treatment adherence including diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, Tinetti balance, physical role, and vitality of SF36, and performance on the 6-minute walk test and 1-minute sit-to-stand. Conclusions: This study demonstrates significant enhancements in quality of life, improved functional performance, and reductions in mental and cognitive burdens within an 8-week rehabilitation program. Additionally, it is possible to identify patients at risk of dropping out using cost-effective, outpatient, and clinically applicable tests | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | No declara | |
| dc.identifier.doi | doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2023.1274180 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2673-6861 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://repositorioabierto.uantof.cl/handle/uantof/576 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.rights | Attribution 4.0 International | en |
| dc.rights.uri | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | |
| dc.source | Frontiers | |
| dc.title | Quality of life, exercise capacity, cognition, and mental health of Chilean patients after COVID-19: an experience of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program at a physical and rehabilitation medicine unit | |
| dc.type | Article | |
| oaire.citation.volume | 4 | |
| organization.identifier.ror | Universidad de Antofagasta | |
| uantof.identificator.center | Centro de Investigación en Fisiología y Medicina de Altura | |
| uantof.identificator.department | Departamento Ciencias Médicas | |
| uantof.identificator.faculty | Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud |