The Impact of Isolation on Elderly Patients with Mild to Moderate COVID-19

OBJECTIVES: Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who require hospitalization are prone to physical inactivity. This study examined the impact of mild to moderate COVID-19 on the activities of daily living (ADLs) of patients who received rehabilitation therapy. METHODS: Between February 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, of 216 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19, 36 were selected for rehabilitation therapy. Of these, 28 received direct rehabilitation therapy, whereas 7 were discharged before rehabilitation therapy could start and 1 carried out indirect rehabilitation. The Barthel Index (BI) scores at the beginning and the end of therapy were compared in 18 patients (10 patients who did not undergo a final BI evaluation were excluded). RESULTS: In total, 27 of the 28 patients receiving direct rehabilitation therapy were more than 65 years of age or had underlying diseases. The BI score decreased in 6 patients and was maintained or improved in 12 patients. However, the 6 patients with decreased BI scores after rehabilitation therapy had significantly higher BI values at the start of therapy (P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: It was considered that the isolated environment of these COVID-19 patients likely resulted in a decrease in activity levels, leading to a decrease in ADLs. Older adults with mild to moderate COVID-19 need to reduce their isolation as much as possible to ensure adequate activity levels.