CHANGES IN STROKE REHABILITATION DURING THE SARS-COV-2 SHUTDOWN IN SWITZERLAND

INTRODUCTION: Many stroke survivors require continuous outpatient rehabilitation therapy to maintain or improve their neurological functioning, independence, and quality of life. In Switzerland and many other countries, the shutdown to contain SARS-CoV-2 infections led to mobility restrictions and a decrease in therapy delivery. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 shutdown on stroke survivors’ access to therapy, physical activity, functioning and mood. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study in stroke subjects. At 4 time-points (before, during, after the shutdown, and at 3-month follow-up), the amount of therapy, physical activities, motor function, anxiety, and depression were assessed. RESULTS: Thirty-six community-dwelling stroke subjects (median 70 years of age, 10 months post-stroke) were enrolled. Therapy reductions related to the shutdown were reported in 72% of subjects. This decrease was associated with significantly extended sedentary time and minimal deterioration in physical activity during the shutdown. Both parameters improved between reopening and 3-month follow-up. Depressive symptoms increased slightly during the observation period. Patients more frequently reported on self-directed training during shutdown. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 shutdown had measurable immediate, but no persistent, effects on post-stroke outcomes, except for depression. Importantly, a 2-month reduction in therapy may trigger improvements when therapy is fully re-initiated thereafter.