Factors associated with handgrip strength in COVID-19 survivors: a cross-sectional observational study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2317-0190.v33e245191Keywords:
COVID-19, Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, Manual Dynamometry, RehabilitationAbstract
Objective: To measure handgrip strength (HGS) and investigate the correlation between these values and the clinical and sociodemographic variables of COVID-19 survivors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study involving a cohort of 787 adults evaluated between 3 and 11 months after hospital discharge due to COVID-19. Data collection took place between October 20, 2020, and April 16, 2021, at a tertiary-level hospital in Brazil. Parametric statistical tests were conducted, with data analysis performed separately by sex. Results: In the multiple regression analysis, hypertension was correlated only with the male group, while age, the need for intubation during hospitalization, and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were confirmed as explanatory variables for HGS in both groups (women: r^2= 0.23, p<0.0001; men: r^2= 0.28, p<0.0001). Notably, the positive correlation between HGS and the need for ventilatory support was an unexpected finding, suggesting that early rehabilitation may play a fundamental role in preserving muscle strength in COVID-19 survivors. Conclusion: Reduced strength is a common reality in the post-COVID-19 context, and HGS is a valuable tool for screening persistent symptoms and the care needs of this population.
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