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1- Sakarya University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, 54100, Sakarya, Turkey. , mehtaperdogan@sakarya.edu.tr
2- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, 41100, Kocaeli, Turkey.
3- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Sport Science, 41100, Kocaeli, Turkey.
2- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, 41100, Kocaeli, Turkey.
3- Kocaeli University, Faculty of Sport Science, 41100, Kocaeli, Turkey.
Abstract: (67 Views)
Background. Persistent symptoms and physiological disorders seen after the acute phase of COVID-19 disease are called post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS).
Objectives. Symptoms that become permanent after the acute phase in individuals with COVID-19 are called PACS. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on musculoskeletal health.
Methods. Forty physiotherapists, with a mean age of 32.00 ± 3.58 years, participated. Twenty were in the post-acute-COVID period (PCG), and 20 were in a healthy control group (HCG) who had never had COVID-19. Wrist circumferences were measured, and dominant hands were identified. Hand grip strength (HGT) was assessed with a hydraulic dynamometer, while wrist flexion and extension strength were measured with an electronic dynamometer. The results of PCG and HCG participants were compared.
Results. Our findings show that PCG individuals had a significant decrease in grip strength in their non-dominant left hand (32.18 ± 5.21 kg) compared to the HCG group (36.38 ± 4.81 kg; p<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in right-hand grip strength (PCG: 33.93 ± 5.68 kg; HCG: 37.37 ± 4.75 kg; p>0.05) or isometric muscle strength. The decreased left-hand grip strength was interpreted as compensating for strength loss on the dominant side by using the dominant hand more frequently after the illness.
Conclusion. The data suggest that COVID-19 may lead to decreased muscle performance rather than direct structural impairments. In particular, left-hand grip strength was significantly reduced by 4.2 kg (PCG: 32.18 ± 5.21 kg vs. HCG: 36.38 ± 4.81 kg; p<0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in right-hand grip strength or isometric muscle strength. Although wrist circumference was significantly smaller in PCG participants (p<0.05), the lack of significant difference in the Extension Contraction Test (ECT) suggests that functional recovery of frequently used muscle groups is possible after the illness. These findings are important for designing rehabilitation strategies and guiding future research.
Objectives. Symptoms that become permanent after the acute phase in individuals with COVID-19 are called PACS. This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on musculoskeletal health.
Methods. Forty physiotherapists, with a mean age of 32.00 ± 3.58 years, participated. Twenty were in the post-acute-COVID period (PCG), and 20 were in a healthy control group (HCG) who had never had COVID-19. Wrist circumferences were measured, and dominant hands were identified. Hand grip strength (HGT) was assessed with a hydraulic dynamometer, while wrist flexion and extension strength were measured with an electronic dynamometer. The results of PCG and HCG participants were compared.
Results. Our findings show that PCG individuals had a significant decrease in grip strength in their non-dominant left hand (32.18 ± 5.21 kg) compared to the HCG group (36.38 ± 4.81 kg; p<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in right-hand grip strength (PCG: 33.93 ± 5.68 kg; HCG: 37.37 ± 4.75 kg; p>0.05) or isometric muscle strength. The decreased left-hand grip strength was interpreted as compensating for strength loss on the dominant side by using the dominant hand more frequently after the illness.
Conclusion. The data suggest that COVID-19 may lead to decreased muscle performance rather than direct structural impairments. In particular, left-hand grip strength was significantly reduced by 4.2 kg (PCG: 32.18 ± 5.21 kg vs. HCG: 36.38 ± 4.81 kg; p<0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed in right-hand grip strength or isometric muscle strength. Although wrist circumference was significantly smaller in PCG participants (p<0.05), the lack of significant difference in the Extension Contraction Test (ECT) suggests that functional recovery of frequently used muscle groups is possible after the illness. These findings are important for designing rehabilitation strategies and guiding future research.
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APPLICABLE REMARKS
APPLICABLE REMARKS
- The findings of this study highlight the impact of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) on musculoskeletal performance, particularly hand grip strength, in physiotherapists. A significant reduction in left-hand grip strength was observed in individuals recovering from COVID-19, suggesting a possible compensatory overuse of the dominant hand during the post-acute phase. These results underscore the importance of incorporating bilateral strength assessments and targeted rehabilitation protocols into post-COVID recovery programs for healthcare professionals. Functional recovery appears feasible in commonly used muscle groups, but strength imbalances may persist. Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and rehabilitation specialists should consider evaluating grip strength and muscle symmetry as part of routine post-COVID functional assessments, even in young and active populations.
Type of Study: Original Article |
Subject:
Sport Physiology and its related branches
Received: 2025/02/12 | Accepted: 2025/05/11
Received: 2025/02/12 | Accepted: 2025/05/11
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