Rehabilitation in Acute COVID-19 Patients: A Japanese Retrospective, Observational, Multi-Institutional Survey

OBJECTIVE: : To investigate the changes in activities of daily living (ADLs) and the conditions of rehabilitation for acute COVID-19 patients in Japan. DESIGN: : Retrospective, observational survey. SETTING: : Four tertiary hospitals with intensive care units and one secondary hospital in Japan. PARTICIPANTS: : COVID-19 patients (N=478) admitted to 5 hospitals INTERVENTIONS: : Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: : Walking ability and swallowing status were assessed using the FIM locomotion item and Food Intake Scale at admission and discharge. The physiatrists of each hospital were also surveyed regarding the factors that influenced decisions to provide rehabilitation. RESULTS: : Excluding patients who died, the proportion of critical patients who could walk independently at discharge was 63%, and the proportion of those who were able to take 3 meals orally at discharge was 90%. Rehabilitation was provided to 13.4% of all patients and to 58.3% of patients with critical symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: : After COVID-19 treatment, patients, especially those with critical symptoms, still have functional disabilities related to walking and swallowing. It is possible that sufficient rehabilitation could not be provided during the period studied.