Fatigue and functional capacity post COVID-19

Background: We explored if fatigue influenced the long-term functional capacity of patients post COVID-19. Methods: People after COVID -19, grouped by treatment setting (home - H, hospital ward - HW or intensive care unit – ICU), were studied 12 months after discharge. Fatigue-Functional Chronic Illness Assessment Questionnaire Fatigue Subscale, FACIT-F and functional capacity-6min walk test, 6MWD and 1min sit-to-stand test, 1minSTS were assessed. Groups were compared with one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis H test. Spearman’s ρ and multiple regression analyses were performed between fatigue-functional tests. Results: 148 subjects (H, n=44; HW, n=60; ICU, n=44) participated. Fatigue was clinically relevant at 12 months although not significantly different among groups [H: 41(35-49); HW: 42(33-50); ICU; 42(32-48) points; p=.979). Functional capacity was significantly higher in those treated at home (6MWD: H,626 114m, HW: 527 146m, ICU: 528 129m, p