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Journal of Central Nervous System Disease logoLink to Journal of Central Nervous System Disease
. 2023 Aug 19;15:11795735231195759. doi: 10.1177/11795735231195759

Post-coronavirus disease 2019 functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions: A prospective cohort study based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health

Isabella Polo Monteiro 1, Pablo Andrei Appelt 1, Angélica Taciana Sisconetto 1, Kelly Savana Minaré Baldo Sucupira 1, Rodrigo Bazan 2, Gustavo José Luvizutto 1,✉, Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de Souza 1
PMCID: PMC10655659  PMID: 38025402

Abstract

Background

Current knowledge regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is constantly evolving, and the long-term functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions have not yet been well established.

Objective

to evaluate the impact of post-COVID condition on the human functioning through the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) classification.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study with 53 individuals with post-COVID condition at 3 time points: 0 to 3 (baseline), 3 to 6, and 6-12 months (follow-up). Outcomes were organized in dichotomous variable: No impairment (0); presence of impairment (≥1) in body function, structure, activities, and participation domains according to the ICF checklist. Chi-square test was used to determine the differences of 3 time points, and association with persistent symptoms.

Results

A statistically significant difference was observed between the periods, with greater disabilities at 6-12 than at 0-3 months in mental, sensory, pain, and movement-related functions; cardiovascular, immunological, and respiratory systems. In terms of activity and participation, a greater limitation at 6-12 months was observed than at 0-3 months in learning and applying knowledge, general tasks, and mobility. In the domain of interpersonal interactions and relationships, there was a statistically significant difference between the 6-12 and 3-6 months groups. Associations between COVID-19 symptoms and ICF components at the first follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with weight maintenance, fatigue and irritability with pain, brain fog with watching and listening, walking difficulty with pain, and headache with pain, watching, and listening. At the second follow-up were: anosmia and dysgeusia with energy and drive functions, attention, memory, and emotional functions; dizziness with watching and listening; fatigue with emotional function, pain, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and driving; irritability with energy and drive, emotional function, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; walking difficulty with energy and driving, emotional function, respiration, muscle power, cardiovascular system, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, and walking; and headache with emotional function, watching, and listening.

Conclusions

Individuals with COVID-19 persistent symptoms showed impairments in structure and function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions during the 1-year follow-up period.

Keywords: COVID-19, body function, activity limitations, participation restrictions, International classification of functioning, disability and health

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can have long-term consequences after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. 1 Moreover, the current literature suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is not confined to the respiratory tract, but systemic involvement seems to occur in these patients. 2 Havervall et al showed that even individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 reported a variety of long-term symptoms and that these symptoms disrupted work, social life, and personal life. 3

Functional impairment in patients after the acute phase of COVID-19 has not been well documented, and the only available information is provided by expert opinions. 4 The complexity and variability of the long-term clinical and functional manifestations of COVID-19 cannot be supported by a biomedical model alone, 2 but should be explored in a biopsychosocial context. However, COVID-19 might have detrimental sequelae even after the post-acute phase, depicting a new pathological condition: the “post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS), long COVID, 5 or post-COVID condition is suggested by the World Health Organization. 6 As it is a relatively new disease with multisystemic repercussions, studies are needed to classify functioning, disability, and health to better understand long-term impairments and perform more specific and effective interventions to reduce the functional impact on activity and participation.

To describe human functioning, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) to understand the clinical and functional aspects of individuals through a standard language. 7 Although appropriate for all populations, it has been applied mainly in the neurological, musculoskeletal, and work-related contexts. 8 The ICF classification enables to view the individual from a systemic point of view using a biopsychosocial model; however, a few studies exist looking at functioning in post-COVID condition9,10 but not using the ICF.

Current knowledge on COVID-19 is constantly evolving, and the long-term clinical and functional aspects after acute infection have not yet been well established in the literature. Impairments in structure and body function are well documented;11-14 however, the functional range and impact on activity and participation require further investigation. Andrenelli et al. highlighted that studies with high levels of evidence regarding long-term monitoring remain lacking. 15 Many studies have already explored changes in structures and body functions, and the use of the ICF can provide rich data on the biopsychosocial aspects, including activity limitations and participation restrictions, of the post-COVID condition. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID on human functioning through the ICF classification.

Methods

Study design, setting and participants

This 12-month prospective cohort study included COVID-19 patients. This study was performed at the Neuroscience and Motor Control Laboratory between September 2020 and September 2021. COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed using SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab samples. Individuals were recruited via radio, television, and digital media and referred to the Uberaba Municipal Health Department. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) (CAAE: 30684820.4.0000.5154). Participants signed an informed consent form to participate in the study.

Inclusion criteria

  • 1) Individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 persistent symptoms who met the post-COVID condition. Post-COVID condition (long COVID) was defined as the continuation or development of new symptoms consistent with COVID-19 infection that continues for more than 12 weeks and is not explained by an alternative diagnosis. 16 The diagnosis of long COVID was based on medical evaluation, current symptoms, and complementary examinations;

  • 2) Older adults (age between 18 to 65 years);

  • 3) No previous disabilities (modified Rankin Scale score <1); 17

  • 4) Have more than 9 years of schooling (completed at least high school) because cognitive activity may vary according to educational level and could interfere with the ICF analysis. In Latin America, low educational levels are associated with a higher risk of dementia. 18

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria were adopted because they could increase baseline disability and act as confounders.

  • 1) Patients with severe and critical COVID-19;

  • 2) Previous history of mental and cognitive disorders;

  • 3) If they did not attend reassessments during follow-up;

  • 4) Have a neurological or psychiatric disease unrelated to COVID-19 infection during follow-up (could be another confounder).

Variables

  • (1) Dichotomic outcomes: no impairment (grade 0); presence of impairment (grade ≥1) in the body function, structure, activities, and participation domains according to the ICF checklist classification.

  • (2) Other variables included age, sex, scholarity (years of study), employment, and initial symptoms.

Data sources and measurement

Patients with post-COVID condition were referred for triage. After inclusion in the study, the patients were interviewed and their personal and demographic data were recorded. All patients were followed up for 1 year at 3 moments: 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 months. The ICF checklist7,19,20 was then applied through face-to-face interviews with the study participants by a trained and certified researcher. The components evaluated were body function (b)—physiological functions of body systems (including psychological functions), structure of the body (s)—anatomical parts of the body, such as organs, limbs, and their components, and activity and participation (d)— the execution of a task or action by an individual, and involvement in a life situation (Supplemental file 1). While 1 study demonstrated a set of categories identified for the acute, post-acute, and long-term, 21 it was not an official core set developed by the WHO Health Organization for post-COVID condition. 22 Therefore, we used the ICF checklist (Supplementary File 1).

The presence or absence of impairments was rated for the body function and structure domains (0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe; and 4, complete). In the activity and participation domains, the presence or absence of limitations or restrictions was determined using the same score as above. For the analysis and classification of ICF, participants were followed up at 3 time points: 0-3, 3-6, and 6-12 months. The original scale was categorized dichotomously, and during each period, the participants were divided into 2 groups: absence of impairment/activity limitations/participation restrictions (0) and presence of impairment/activity limitations/participation restrictions (≥1).

Bias

The effort to address attrition bias involved sending routine reminders to schedule follow-ups. In addition, data on all potential confounders (age, sex, scholarity, employment, and initial symptoms) were collected.

Statistical methods

Data normality was measured using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Clinical and demographic data were measured using descriptive statistics as mean and standard deviation for continuous data and frequency and percentage for categorical data. We performed an ANOVA for continuous data and chi-square test for categorical data. The chi-square test was used to determine the differences in the matched sets of 3 frequencies (0-3 vs 3-6 vs 6-12 months). Statistical significance was set at P < .05. ICF items with statistical significance at 2 timepoints (3-6 and 6-12 months) were associated with persistent symptoms according to the chi-square test for trends. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism version 8.0.0 for Macintosh (GraphPad Software, San Diego, California USA, www.graphpad.com).

Results

Fifty-three post-COVID-19 individuals participated in the study: 37 women (69.8%) and 16 men (30.2%) with a mean age of 41.4 ± 6.6 years. At the first follow-up (3-6 months), a loss of 5.7% of the participants (n = 50; 35 women, 15 men, mean age: 40.3 ± 5.8 years) was noted. At the second follow-up (6-12 months), a total loss of 9.4% (n = 48, 34 women, 14 men, mean age: 40.7 ± 6.2 years) was noted (Figure 1). Three patients dropped out of the study between 0-3 and 3-6 months, and 2 dropped out between 3-6 and 6-12 months. Among all the dropouts, a lack of interest was noted in participating in the study and failure to attend the scheduled evaluations. Participants who withdrew from the study during the follow-up did not differ from other participants in terms of sociodemographic data or disability. Sociodemographic data are presented in Table 1. No statistical differences were noted between the follow-up periods. Table 2 shows the symptoms that persisted, resolved, and recurred during the 1-year follow-up period. The increase in brain fog persisted at 6-12 months compared with baseline. Dizziness and irritability resolved to a greater proportion at 3-6 months compared with at 6-12 months.

Figure 1.

Figure 1.

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Study flowchart.

Table 1.

Demographic, clinical, and personal data during 1 year of follow-up.

Evaluation time
Variables 0-3 months (n = 53) 3-6 months (n = 50) 6-12 months (n = 48) P-value
Mean±SD Mean±SD Mean±SD
Age (years)1 41.4±6.6 40.3±5.8 40.7±6.2 .878
Scholarity (years)1 14.4±3.4 14.0±3.0 14.2±3.1 .934
Sex2
 Female, n (%) 37 (69.8) 35 (70.0) 34 (70.8) .677
 Male, n (%) 16 (30.2) 15 (30.0) 14 (29.2) .677
Employed, n (%)2 50 (94.3) 47 (94.0) 45 (93.7) .941
Student, n (%)2 2 (3.8) 2 (4.0) 2 (4.2) .952
Retired, n (%)2 1 (1.9) 1 (2.0) 1 (2.1) >.99
Drop out patients 0 (.0) 3 (6.0) 2 (4.2) .236
 Lack of interest 0 (.0) 1 (2.0) 1 (2.1) .584
 Failure to attend 0 (.0) 2 (4.0) 1 (2.1) .361
 Age (years)3 - 42.1±4.1 41.8±5.2 .678
 Scholarity (years)3 - 14.5±2.5 14.0±3.0 .899
Sex2
 Female, n (%) - 2 (66.7) 1 (50.0) >.99
 Male, n (%) - 1 (33.3) 1 (50.0) >.99
 Employed, n (%)2 - 3 (100.0) 2 (100.0) >.99
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SD: standard deviation; 1 – ANOVA test; 2 – Chi-square test; 3 – Mann–Whitney U test (comparing dropout patients with non-dropout patients).

Table 2.

Symptoms that persist, resolve, and reoccur during 1 year of follow-up.

0-3 months (n = 53) 3-6 months (n = 50) 6-12 months (n = 48)
Symptoms Baseline Persist a Resolve Recurred Persist a Resolve Recurred
Anosmia, n (%)2 32 (60.4) 24 (48.0) 8 (16.0) 0 (0) 22 (45.8) 2 (4.2) 0 (.0)
Dysgeusia, n (%)2 28 (52.8) 24 (48.0) 4 (8.0) 0 (0) 20 (41.6) 4 (8.3) 0 (.0)
Dizziness, n (%)2 16 (30.2) 9 (18.0) 7 (14.0) a 0 (0) 10 (20.8) 0 (.0) a 1 (2.1)
Fatigue, n (%)2 15 (28.3) 16 (32.0) 0 (.0) 1 (2.0) 15 (31.2) 1 (2.1) 0 (.0)
Irritability, n (%)2 10 (18.9) 15 (30.0) 5 (10.0) a 0 (.0) 16 (33.3) 0 (.0) a 1 (2.1)
Brain fog, n (%)2 9 (17.0) 14 (28.0) 0 (.0) 5 (10.0) 16 (33.3) b 0 (.0) 2 (4.2)
Walking difficulty, n (%)2 9 (17.0) 12 (24.0) 0 (.0) 3 (6.0) 13 (27.1) 0 (.0) 1 (2.1)
Headache, n (%)2 8 (15.1) 13 (26.00 0 (.0) 5 (10.0) a 12 (25.0) 1 (2.1) 0 (.0)a
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aSymptoms that persisted were from the same patient as those in the previous evaluation.

bBaseline comparison (P < .05).

Same letters indicate significant differences between the periods.

The structure and body function impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in patients with COVID-19 for over 1 year are shown in Table 3. A statistically significant difference was between the periods, with greater impairments at 6-12 than at 0-3 months in mental functions (P = .005); sensory functions and pain (P = .023); neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions (P = .003); and cardiovascular, immunological, and respiratory systems (P = .002). In terms of activity and participation, there was a statistically significant difference between the periods, with greater limitations/restrictions at 6-12 months than at 0-3 months in terms of learning and applying knowledge (P = .005), general tasks and demands (P = .006), and mobility (P = .001). In the domain of interpersonal interactions and relationships, a statistically significant difference was noted between the 6-12 and 3-6 months groups (P = .02) (Table 3).

Table 3.

Structure and body function impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions in patients with COVID-19 over 1 year.

0-3 (n = 53) 3-6 (n = 50) 6-12 (n = 48) p
Structure and body function (b,s)
 b1. Mental functions (n, %) 9 (16.9)a,c 11 (22.0) b 13 (27.1)c,a .005
 b2. Sensory functions and pain (n, %) 10 (18.9)a,c 11 (22.0) b 15 (31.2)c,a .023
 b3. Voice and speech functions (n, %) 0 (0) a 5 (10.0) b 5 (10.4) c .321
 b4. Functions of the cardiovascular, hematological, immunological and respiratory systems (n, %) 5 (9.4) a 5 (10.0) b 5 (10.4) c .788
 b5. Functions of the digestive, metabolic, and endocrine systems (n, %) 3 (5,7) a 2 (4.0) b 2 (4.2) c .589
 b6. Genitourinary and reproductive functions (n, %) 1 (1,8) a 1 (2.0) b 1 (2.1) c .763
 b7. Neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions (n, %) 8 (15,1)a,c 11 (22.0) b 16 (33.3)c,a .003
 s1. Structure of the nervous system (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 1 (2.0) b 0 (.0) c .442
 s2. The eye, ear, and related structures (n, %) 0 (.0) a 1 (2.0) b 0 (.0) c .889
 s4. Structure of the cardiovascular, immunological, and respiratory systems (n, %) 0 (.0)a,c 3 (6.0) b 8 (16.7)c,a .002
 s5. Structures related to the digestive, metabolism, and endocrine systems (n, %) 0 (.0) a 0 (.0) b 1 (2.1) c .690
 s7. Structure related to movement (n, %) 5 (9.4) a 5 (10.0) b 4 (8.3) c .722
Activity and participation (d)
 d1. Learning and applying knowledge (n, %) 7 (13.2)a,c 12 (24.0) b 17 (35.4)c,a .005
 d2. General tasks and demands (n, %) 4 (7.5)a,c 8 (16.0) b 12 (25.0)c,a .006
 d3. Communication (n, %) 5 (9.4) a 8 (16.0) b 10 (20.8) c .688
 d4. Mobility (n, %) 11 (20.7)a,c 12 (24.0) b 19 (39.5)c,a .001
 d5. Self care (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 6 (12.5) c .289
 d6. Domestic life (n, %) 2 (3.8) a 5 (10.0) b 10 (20.8) c .188
 d7. Interpersonal interactions and relationships (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 4 (8.0)b,c 12 (25.0)c,b .021
 d8. Major life areas (n, %) 2 (3,8) a 0 (0) b 0 (0) c .644
 d9. Community, social and civic life (n, %) 4 (7.5) 0 (0) b 0 (0) c .791
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aIndicate significant differences between periods.

bIndicate significant differences between periods.

cIndicate significant differences between periods.

b: body function; s: structure; d: domain.

Detailed items of each ICF domain in patients with COVID-19 over 1 year are shown in Table 4. Within the structure and body function domain, the detailed items that obtained a statistically significant difference between the periods, with greater impairments at 6-12 months compared with the period 0-3 months, were energy and drive functions (P = .002), attention (P = .033), memory (P = .038), emotional functions (P = .012), seeing (P = .022), pain (P = .028), respiration (P = .021), weight maintenance (P = .031), muscle power (P = .042), muscle tone (P = .021), and the cardiovascular system (P = .021). In the activity and participation domain, the detailed items that showed a statistically significant difference between the periods, with greater limitations/restrictions at 6-12 months compared with the period 0-3 months, were watching (P = .003), listening (P = .003), undertaking multiple tasks (P = .028), lifting and carrying objects (P = .033), fine hand use (P = .021), walking (P = .033), and driving (P = .033) (Table 4).

Table 4.

Detailed items of each ICF domain in patients with COVID-19 over 1 year.

Item 0-3 (n = 53) 3-6 (n = 50) 6-12 (n = 48) p
b110. Consciousness (n, %) 0 (.0) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .999
b114. Orientation (n, %) 0 (.0) a 7 (14.0) b 4 (8.3) c .882
b117. Intellectual (n, %) 0 (.0) a 1 (2.0) b 0 (.0) c .901
b130. Energy and drive functions (n, %) 1 (1.8)a,c 5 (10.0) b 16 (33.3)c,a .002
b134. Sleep (n, %) 16 (30.2) a 15 (30.0) b 17 (35.4) c .245
b140. Attention (n, %) 16 (30.8)a,b 17 (34.0) b 23 (47.9)c,a .033
b144. Memory (n, %) 17 (32.1)a,c 18 (36.0) b 28 (58.3)c,a .038
b152. Emotional functions (n, %) 7 (13.2)a,c 12 (24.0) b 16 (33.3)c,a .012
b156. Perceptual functions (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 5 (10.0) b 4 (8.3) c .609
b164. Higher level cognitive functions (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 4 (8.3) c .876
b167. Language (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 4 (8.3) c .322
b210. Seeing (n, %) 7 (13.2)a,c 8 (16.0) b 16 (33,3)c,a .022
b230. Hearing (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 4 (8.3) c .441
b235. Vestibular (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 8 (16.7) c .552
b280. Pain (n, %) 10 (18.9)a,c 18 (36.0)b,a 25 (52.1)c,a .028
b310. Voice (n, %) 0 (.0) a 5 (10.0) b 0 (.0) c .992
b410. Heart functions (n, %) 0 (0) a 5 (10.0) b 5 (10.4) c .889
b420. Blood pressure (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 6 (16.0) b 12 (25.0) c .732
b435. Immunological (n, %) 0 (.0) a 0 (.0) b 2 (4.2) c .223
b440. Respiration (n, %) 0 (.0)a,c 5 (10.0)b,c 7 (14.5)c,a .021
b515. Digestive (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 6 (16.0) b 2 (4.2) c .408
b525. Defecation (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 6 (16.0) b 2 (4.2) c .408
b530. Weight maintenance (n, %) 1 (1.8)a,b 16 (32.0)b,a 5 (10.4) c .031
b555. Endocrine glands (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 2 (4.2) c .942
b640. Sexual functions (n, %) 0 (.0) a 1 (2.0) b 0 (.0) c .992
b620. Urination functions (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 2 (4.2) c .889
b710. Mobility of joint (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 12 (24.0) b 12 (25.0) c .791
b730. Muscle power (n, %) 7 (13.2)a,c 12 (24.0) b 18 (37.5)c,a .042
b735. Muscle tone (n, %) 0 (.0)a,c 5 (10.0) b 12 (25.0)c,a .021
b765. Involuntary movements (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 3 (6.0) b 0 (.0) c .866
s110. Brain (n, %) 0 (.0) a 3 (6.0) b 0 (.0) c .887
s120. Spinal cord and peripheral nerves (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .945
s410. Cardiovascular system (n, %) 0 (.0)a,c 5 (10.0) b 7 (14.5)c,a .021
s430. Respiratory system (n, %) 0 (.0) a 3 (6.0) b 0 (.0) c .992
s710. Head and neck region (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 3 (6.0) b 0 (.0) c .866
s720. Shoulder region (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 3 (6.0) b 0 (.0) c .866
s730. Upper extremity (n, %) 0 (.0) a 0 (.0) b 2 (4.2) c .932
s740. Pelvis (n, %) 0 (.0) a 0 (.0) b 2 (4.2) c .932
s750. Lower extremity (n, %) 0 (.0) a 0 (.0) b 2 (4.2) c .932
s760. Trunk (n, %) 0 (.0) a 0 (.0) b 2 (4.2) c .932
d110. Watching (n, %) 0 (.0)a,b,c 16 (32.0)b,a 16 (33,3)c,a .003
d115. Listening (n, %) 0 (0)a,b,c 16 (32.0)b,a 16 (33,3)c,a .003
d140. Learning to read (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 11 (22.0) b 16 (33.3) c .177
d145. Learning to write (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 11 (22.0) b 16 (33.3) c .177
d150. Learning to calculate (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 11 (22.0) b 16 (33.3) c .177
d175. Solving problems (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 11 (22.0) b 16 (33.3) c .177
d210. Undertaking a single task (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 11 (22.0) b 16 (33.3) c .177
d220. Undertaking multiple tasks (n, %) 7 (13.2)a,c 8 (16.0) b 18 (37.5)c,a .028
d310. Communicating with -- receiving -- spoken messages (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 11 (22.0) b 10 (20.8) c .554
d315. Communicating with -- receiving -- non-verbal messages (n, %) 7 (13.2) a 11 (22.0) b 10 (20.8) c .554
d330. Speaking (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 12 (24.0) b 10 (20.8) c .807
d335. Producing non-verbal messages (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 12 (24.0) b 10 (20.8) c .807
d350. Conversation (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 12 (24.0) b 10 (20.8) c .807
d430. Lifting and carrying objects (n, %) 12 (22.6) a 11 (22.0) b 18 (37.5) c .033
d440. Fine hand use (n, %) 10 (18.8)a,c 11 (22.0) b 19 (39.5)c,a .021
d450. Walking (n, %) 12 (22.6) a 11 (22.0) b 18 (37.5) c .033
d465. Moving around using equipment (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 12 (24.0) b 10 (20.8) c .807
d470. Using transportation (n, %) 10 (18.8)a,c 11 (22.0) b 19 (39.5)c,a .021
d475. Driving (n, %) 12 (22.6) a 11 (22.0) b 18 (37.5) c .033
d510. Washing oneself (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 7 (14.5) c .632
d520. Caring for body parts (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d530. Toileting (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 7 (14.5) c .632
d540. Dressing (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 7 (14.5) c .632
d550. Eating (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 7 (14.5) c .632
d560. Drinking (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 7 (14.5) c .632
d570. Looking after one's health (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d620. Acquisition of goods and services (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d630. Preparation of meals (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d640. Doing housework (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d660. Assisting others (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 5 (10.0) b 7 (14.5) c .632
d710. Basic interpersonal interactions (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d720. Complex interpersonal interactions (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d730. Relating with strangers (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d740. Formal relationships (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d750. Informal social relationships (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d760. Family relationships (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d770. Intimate relationships (n, %) 6 (11.3) a 7 (14.0) b 7 (14.5) c .822
d810. Informal education (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .903
d820. School education (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .903
d830. Higher education (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .903
d850. Remunerative employment (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .903
d860. Basic economic transactions (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .903
d870. Economic self-sufficiency (n, %) 1 (1.8) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .903
d910. Community life (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .833
d920. Recreation and leisure (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .833
d930. Religion and spirituality (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .833
d940. Human rights (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .833
d950. Political life and citizenship (n, %) 4 (7.5) a 0 (.0) b 0 (.0) c .833
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aIndicate significant differences between periods.

bIndicate significant differences between periods.

cIndicate significant differences between periods.

Figure 2 shows the associations between symptoms and ICF components at the first follow-up (3-6 months): Anosmia (P < .001) and dysgeusia (P < .001) with weight maintenance, fatigue (P = .002), and irritability (P = .024) with pain, brain fog with watching (P = .01) and listening (P = .021), walking difficulty with pain (P = .034), and headache with pain (P = .014), watching (P = .038), and listening (P = .038). Figure 3 shows the associations between symptoms and ICF components at the second follow-up (6-12 months): Anosmia with energy and drive functions (P = .002), attention (P = .031), memory (P = .003), and emotional functions (P = .042); dysgeusia with energy and drive functions (P = .001), attention (P = .034), memory (P = .008), and emotional function (P = .044); dizziness with watching (P = .008) and listening (P = .009); fatigue with emotional function (P < .001), pain (P = .003), undertaking multiple tasks (P = .022), lifting and carrying objects (P = .031), and driving (P = .014); irritability with energy and drive (P = .001), emotional function (P = .012), undertaking multiple tasks (P = .0018), lifting and carrying objects (P = .003), and walking (P = .021); brain fog with energy and drive (P < .001), attention (P = .026), emotional function (P < .001), undertaking multiple tasks (P < .001), and driving (P = .001); walking difficulty with energy and driving (P = .002), emotional function (P = .011), respiration (P < .001), muscle power (P = .002), cardiovascular system (P < .001), undertaking multiple tasks (P < .001), lifting and carrying objects (P < .001), and walking (P < .001); and headache with emotional function (P = .014), watching (P = .038), and listening (P = .038).

Figure 2.

Figure 2.

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Associations between symptoms and ICF components at first follow-up (3-6 months).

Figure 3.

Figure 3.

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Associations between symptoms and ICF components at second follow-up (6-12 months).

Discussion

Our study identified the most frequent changes, classified using the ICF, in post-COVID individuals over a period of 1 year. The main functional changes in the domains of body function and structure over a year were energy and drive functions; attention; memory; emotional functions; seeing, pain; respiration; weight maintenance; and muscle power, muscle tone, cardiovascular system. In the domains of activities and participation, the most reported limitations or restrictions over a year were watching, listening, undertaking multiple tasks, lifting and carrying objects, fine hand use, walking, and driving (Supplementary File 2).

Structure and body function impairments

Energy and drive functions are frequently impaired in post-COVID individuals from 6 to 12 months and are classified as general mental functions of physiological and psychological mechanisms that cause the individual to move toward satisfying specific needs and general goals in a persistent manner. 6 The main symptoms associated with these ICF components are anosmia, dysgeusia, irritability, brain fog, and difficulty in walking. A significant proportion of individuals experience these symptoms following resolution of acute COVID-19, due to direct viral encephalitis, neuroinflammation, 23 neurodegeneration, 24 cerebral microvascular injury, 1 and hypometabolism in areas associated with motivation, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex 25 in the brains of COVID-19 patients.

Impairments related to attention and memory were observed at all time periods, with a higher frequency from 6 to 12 months, mainly in individuals with anosmia, dysgeusia, brain fog, or difficulty walking. In a meta-analysis, the prevalence of neurological symptoms was higher after 6 months, and the most frequent symptom was memory deficit. 26 Inflammation and oxidative stress during COVID-19 lead to secondary neuropathological dysfunction in addition to important cognitive impairments.24-26 Additionally, individuals with COVID-19 require social isolation, and consequences such as hysteria and loss of loved ones are associated with anxiety and depression. 27

Ocular manifestations (seeing) were more common at 3-6 months, with a higher proportion during 6 to 12 months after acute infection. Although none of the symptoms in the patients included in this study were associated with ocular manifestations, these impairments can be explained by vascular disorders and a high possibility of infection-induced clotting.28,29 The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has severe implications for ophthalmology as the eyes represent an important route of infection, most probably through lacrimal drainage into the nasal mucosa or ocular manifestations, which, even if rather rare, can represent the first symptoms of this novel disease.30,31

Pain was a frequent symptom that was more common during 3 to 6 months, with a higher proportion occurring during 6 to 12 months, mainly in individuals with fatigue and irritability. Bittencourt et al. highlighted the possibility that some patients develop pain symptoms post-COVID-19 due to post-viral syndrome or deterioration due to exacerbation of pre-existing physical symptoms, mental complaints, or lifestyle factors (eg, insomnia, physical inactivity). 32 The literature reports that another potential mechanism for pain in the post-COVID period is the long period of stay in the ICU; however, in our study, none of the participants required intensive care, which may reinforce the mechanism of the direct impact of the virus on the peripheral nervous system or central nervous system or induce post-viral immune syndrome. 33

Weight maintenance impairment was more common during the first 3-6 months, mainly in patients with anosmia and dysgeusia. After the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients have experienced weight loss, muscle loss, and malnutrition. Moreover, almost all patients with COVID-19 have 1 or more nutritional complaints, such as decreased appetite, feeling full, shortness of breath, altered taste, and loss of taste. 34 Several of these symptoms are associated with reduced nutrient intake, increased energy expenditure, and decreased nutrient absorption. 35 Wierdsma et al. suggested that nutritional problems persist after COVID-19, indicating that all patients require prolonged nutritional support and monitoring. 35

Muscle power and muscle tone were also impaired at 6-12 months, particularly in patients with walking difficulties. Musculoskeletal disorders and reduced muscle strength have been observed in critically ill patients with prolonged hospitalization; 36 however, none of our patients required intensive care hospitalization. Fatigue and myalgia are the main musculoskeletal symptoms described in the literature in mildly and non-critically ill patients with COVID-19. There are 2 hypotheses suggesting different mechanisms of action of the virus on the skeletal muscle tissue: 37 (1) SARS-CoV-2 binds to the ACE2 receptor on the skeletal muscle cell surface, and (2) elevates inflammatory processes in the musculoskeletal tissue. Recent studies have suggested that musculoskeletal symptoms can persist for weeks and/or months, giving rise to a debilitating condition known as post-COVID condition.38-42

Respiratory and cardiovascular system impairments were particularly observed in patients with walking difficulties. These impairments seem to be recurrent in post-COVID-19 individuals.13,43 A reduced ability to perform activities of daily living and moderate dyspnea at rest were observed even in patients with mild disease who did not progress to acute respiratory failure. 44 In addition, individuals with post-mild COVID-19 have reported long-term persistence of fatigue and dyspnea. 45 Fatigue is frequent in patients with COVID-19, regardless of the degree of severity, and is accentuated in cases of associated chronic diseases and an acute inflammatory state of systemic infection by SARS-CoV-2. 2 Walking difficulties can reduce physical activity levels and lead to cardiorespiratory complications in the post-COVID condition.

Activity limitations and participation restrictions

Watching and listening restrictions were associated with brain fog at 3-6 months and dizziness and headache at 6-12 months. Restrictions related to watching may be associated with visual changes caused by the vascular and inflammatory processes.28-31 However, viral infections can also affect the auditory system, thus limiting listening tasks. What appears to be slightly more common is hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness later in the process. 46 Both visual and hearing losses can negatively interfere with watching and listening tasks. However, periods of social isolation, mobility restrictions, and cognitive changes can also limit these activities.

Restrictions in undertaking multiple tasks were associated with fatigue, irritability, brain fog, and walking difficulty. Luvizutto et al. showed that choice reaction time can be decreased after COVID-19 diagnosis over 1 year, and this alteration was associated with decreased cognitive function during multiple tasks. 47 Some studies have shown that COVID-19 can also alter the brain’s functional connectivity pattern, causing brain fog and cognitive dysfunction for months after infection resolution.11,21,48 Loss of executive function, reduced sustained attention, and slow reasoning for motor responses during everyday tasks in COVID-19 patients can lead to difficulties in performing multiple tasks. Additionally, most COVID-19 patients experience persistent muscle symptoms, such as fatigue and walking difficulty, that decrease their ability to perform activities of daily living, 37 such as fatigue and walking difficulty.

Difficulties in lifting and carrying objects, fine hand use, and walking have been reported mainly in individuals with fatigue, irritability, and difficulty walking. Such limitations are common in individuals with decreased muscle tone and strength,13,49 impairing the practice of physical exercise, and leading to muscle deconditioning and fatigue.50,51 Indeed, COVID-19 patients suffer from multiple symptoms, and acute care takes place in strict isolation, which reduces a patient's mobility, 52 and can impact long-term functioning.

Driving restrictions are associated with brain fog and fatigue. Driving requires high demands linked to attention and concentration. 53 Another factor is that both driving fatigue and distraction are manifestations of insufficient attention being allocated to driving tasks. 54 Yan et al. demonstrated the correlation between driving performance and executive control function. 54

Limitations and future directions

The limitations of this study include the lack of information regarding the history of symptoms prior to acute COVID-19 infection and details on the severity of symptoms. It is also noteworthy that ICF was not used for the entire spectrum. The ICF checklist was developed as a generic tool and not specific to any health condition. Thus, it may not have captured all issues associated with post-COVID condition. In addition, this was a single-center study with a relatively small sample size for the study design, and without a control group of asymptomatic patients; thus, the generalizability of the results is narrow. Fortunately, although the pandemic has passed, some viral variants still affect health and clinical care. This study provides a natural history and possible clinical and functional evolution of COVID-19 over 1 year and may help prevent and/or alleviate long-term complications.

Conclusion

Individuals with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 showed impairments in structure and body function, activity limitations, and participation restrictions during the 1-year follow-up period. Impairments were higher during the 6- to 12-month period and may be monitored using the ICF classification. Our results will stimulate the development of future core set for post-COVID condition.

Supplemental Material

Supplemental Material - Post-coronavirus disease 2019 functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions: A prospective cohort study based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health
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Supplemental Material for Post-coronavirus disease 2019 functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions: A prospective cohort study based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health by Isabella Polo Monteiro, Pablo Andrei Appelt, Angélica Taciana Sisconetto, Kelly Savana Minaré Baldo Sucupira, Rodrigo Bazan, Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de Souza, and Gustavo José Luvizutto in Journal of Central Nervous System Disease

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, and Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations, and Communications (MCTIC). (Process 401192/2020-2).

Author contributions: 1. Made substantial contributions to the concept or design of the work: IPM, RB, LAPSS, and GJL 2. Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: PAP, ATS, KSMBS 3. Drafted the article or revised it critically for important intellectual content: IPM, LAPSS, and GJL 4. Approved the version to be published: IPM, PAP, ATS, KSMBS, RB, LAPSS and GJL

The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Funding: The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the Grants were received from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovations, and Communications (MCTIC); and CNPq (Process 401192/2020-2).

Ethical approval: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) (CAAE: 30684820.4.0000.5154). Participants signed an informed consent form to participate in the study.

Supplemental Material: Supplemental material for this article is available online

ORCID iD

Gustavo Jose Luvizutto https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6914-7225

Data Availability Statement

All Data used to write up this manuscript is available for review upon a reasonable request.

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Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Supplemental Material - Post-coronavirus disease 2019 functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions: A prospective cohort study based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health
Click here for additional data file. (77.3KB, pdf)

Supplemental Material for Post-coronavirus disease 2019 functional impairments, limitations, and restrictions: A prospective cohort study based on the international classification of functioning, disability, and health by Isabella Polo Monteiro, Pablo Andrei Appelt, Angélica Taciana Sisconetto, Kelly Savana Minaré Baldo Sucupira, Rodrigo Bazan, Luciane Aparecida Pascucci Sande de Souza, and Gustavo José Luvizutto in Journal of Central Nervous System Disease

Data Availability Statement

All Data used to write up this manuscript is available for review upon a reasonable request.

Articles from Journal of Central Nervous System Disease are provided here courtesy of SAGE Publications

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