Longitudinal Analysis of Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Patients with Previous COVID-19 Hospitalization and in Patients with Post-Acute Sequelae following Mild COVID-19

6Citations
Citations of this article
33Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Muscle weakness is a prominent symptom in post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). However, few studies have objectively and longitudinally assessed muscle strength after varying COVID-19 severity grades. This observational study aimed to explore the prevalence, determinants, and 1.5 years change of quadriceps muscle weakness in 98 patients discharged from COVID-19 hospitalization and in 50 patients with PASC following mild COVID-19. Isometric quadriceps maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was assessed on a computerized dynamometer at three visits. Also, in a subgroup of 14 post-COVID-19 patients with quadriceps muscle weakness, muscle thickness and echo intensity were determined by muscle ultrasound of nine upper and lower extremity muscles. Muscle weakness was found in 59% of post-hospitalized patients and in 65% of those with PASC following mild COVID-19 at ~14 weeks after acute COVID-19. Whereas during ~1.5 years follow-up MVC modestly improved, muscle weakness prevalence remained unchanged. Hospital length of stay and diabetes mellitus were identified as possible predictors of muscle weakness following COVID-19 hospitalization. No predictors could be identified in those with PASC following mild COVID-19. Ultrasound outcomes revealed no large structural abnormalities. In conclusion, clinically relevant muscle weakness is common after COVID-19 and its long-term improvement is poor. Future studies with relevant control groups are warranted to confirm our data.

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Stoffels, A. A. F., van Voorthuizen, E. L., van Hees, H. W. H., Peters, J. B., van Helvoort, H. A. C., Voermans, N. C., … van den Borst, B. (2022). Longitudinal Analysis of Quadriceps Muscle Strength in Patients with Previous COVID-19 Hospitalization and in Patients with Post-Acute Sequelae following Mild COVID-19. Nutrients, 14(20). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14204319

Readers' Seniority

Tooltip

PhD / Post grad / Masters / Doc 8

80%

Professor / Associate Prof. 1

10%

Researcher 1

10%

Readers' Discipline

Tooltip

Sports and Recreations 3

30%

Medicine and Dentistry 3

30%

Nursing and Health Professions 2

20%

Immunology and Microbiology 2

20%

Article Metrics

Tooltip
Mentions
News Mentions: 1

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free