“however, those factors alone did not account for the mobility problems we observed among people with covid-19. rehabilitation strategies need to be developed for adults who avoid hospitalization due to covid-19 but still need support to restore their mobility and physical function.”
the researchers analyzed data collected from 24,114 clsa participants during the first wave of the pandemic in 2020. covid-19 cases were classified as confirmed, probable or suspected due to the limitations on testing capacity during the early stages of the pandemic.
participants with covid-19 had nearly double the odds of worsening mobility and physical function compared to those without covid-19, although most had mild or moderate symptoms. of the 2,748 individuals with confirmed, probable or suspected covid-19, 94 per cent were not hospitalized.
individuals with confirmed or probable covid-19 had double the odds of worsening ability to engage in household activities and participate in physical activity than those without covid-19. similar results were found for those with suspected covid-19.
“to our knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to evaluate the association of confirmed, probable or suspected covid-19 with mobility and functioning of middle-age and older adults who live in the community,” said parminder raina, a professor in the department of health research methods, evidence and impact, lead principal investigator of the clsa and scientific director of the mcmaster institute for research on aging.
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