Rehabilitation outcomes in complete C5 quadriplegia

Establishment of rehabilitation goals for spinal cord injury patients generally has been based on the degree of residual motor function. Despite extensive clinical experience with spinal cord injury rehabilitation, there have been no reports of the ability of C5 quadriplegic patients to perform self-care and mobility skills before and after rehabilitation. This study was designed to examine the rehabilitation outcomes of 63 patients with C5 complete quadriplegia, who completed an interdisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program, using the 100-point modified Barthel Index as a means of rating functional status. There were statistically significant increases in the mean modified Barthel index scores from 7.1 on admission to 28.9 on discharge for the entire group of patients. The self-care subscore increased significantly from 6.5 on admission to 20.0 on discharge and the mobility subscore increased significantly from 0.5 on admission to 8.9 on discharge. Ability to perform self-care and mobility subscore tasks is described. This study documented significant improvements in function during comprehensive rehabilitation among patients with C5 spinal cord injury.     

Rehabilitation outcome following traumatic brain injury--the Singapore experience

The objectives of this study were to define (1) demographic and injury characteristics for acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients admitted to rehabilitation; (2) admission and discharge functional status; (3) discharge disposition and vocation status at follow-up. The charts of 80 consecutive TBI admissions (64 males, 16 females) were reviewed. Outcome measures included admission and discharge Modified Barthel Index (MBI) scores, length of rehabilitation stay, discharge disposition and return-to-work status at 1 year post-injury. Fifty-seven (71.3%) of patients were aged 40 years or less. Motor vehicle accidents accounted for 70.0% (56) of injuries. Sixty-one (76.3%) had severe head injuries. Diffuse cerebral oedema was present in 41.3% (33) and 52.5% (42) had intracranial haematoma. Admission and discharge MBI scores were 49.6 +/- 33.7 and 76.9 +/- 25.6 respectively. This difference was significant (P < 0.001). Memory and planning/organization deficits were present in 68.6% and 70.5% of patients (51 tested). Multiple regression analysis showed that admission MBI score had significant influence on discharge functional outcome (Multiple R 0.66, R2 0.40, P < 0.001). Seventy-two (90%) were discharge home and 25% (20) returned to work at 1 year post-injury. We conclude that this cohort of TBI patients showed significant improvement in functional status after rehabilitation, and admission functional status had the most impact on discharge functional outcome.     

Rehabilitation outcomes in patients with complete thoracic spinal cord injury

This paper describes the functional outcomes and lengths of stay of 184 patients discharged from comprehensive rehabilitation with complete thoracic traumatic spinal cord injuries. The 100-point modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to assess functional abilities. There were statistically significant improvements in the mean total MBI score for the entire sample from 35.2 at rehabilitation admission to 71.0 at discharge. The mean lengths of stay were 46 days in acute care and 84 days in the rehabilitation facility. There were 79 patients with lesions between T1 and T6 ("high paraplegics") and 105 patients with lesions between T7 and T12 ("low paraplegics"). There were no significant differences in the mean MBI scores, self-care subscores, mobility subscores, acute lengths of stay or rehabilitation lengths of stay between high and low paraplegic patients. However, low paraplegic patients were more likely to walk than were the high paraplegic patients. Surgical stabilization was performed on 36% of the sample; total MBI scores were similar for surgically stabilized and nonsurgically stabilized patients. High and low thoracic paraplegic patients achieved significant functional gains during rehabilitation. These functional gains occurred in a setting which provided for the vocational, psychosocial and recreational needs of the individual, and which fostered independence, community participation and a return to a healthy and active lifestyle.     

影响脊髓损伤患者出院时日常生活活动能力的相关因素分析

目的 探讨影响脊髓损伤(SCI)患者出院时日常生活活动(ADL)能力的相关因素.方法 对105例SCI患者进行分析,入选时收集每位患者病史,记录一般情况如性别、年龄、病因、损伤水平、损伤分级、受伤(发病)时间、手术时间、入院和出院时间等,并记录出院和入院时的改良Barthel指数(MBI)评分、美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)SCI积分,对影响患者出院时ADL能力的因素进行线性回归分析.结果 出院时,SCI患者ASIA运动评分、ASIA针刺觉评分、ASIA轻触觉评分和MBI评分均有改善,与入院时比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);多因素分析显示,SCI分级、入院时ASIA运动评分、入院时ASIA针刺觉评分等3个因素与出院时MBI评分密切相关,康复介入时间、康复疗程、入院时ASIA运动评分等3个因素与出入院MBI差值密切相关.结论 通过康复训练,各年龄阶段、不同损伤平面、不同损伤程度的SCI患者的ADL能力都可得到改善.入院时运动能力较好、康复疗程足够长、康复介入时间早的患者改善幅度也相对较大.     

影响脊髓损伤患者出院时日常生活活动能力的相关因素分析

目的 探讨影响脊髓损伤(SCI)患者出院时日常生活活动(ADL)能力的相关因素.方法 对105例SCI患者进行分析,入选时收集每位患者病史,记录一般情况如性别、年龄、病因、损伤水平、损伤分级、受伤(发病)时间、手术时间、入院和出院时间等,并记录出院和入院时的改良Barthel指数(MBI)评分、美国脊髓损伤协会(ASIA)SCI积分,对影响患者出院时ADL能力的因素进行线性回归分析.结果 出院时,SCI患者ASIA运动评分、ASIA针刺觉评分、ASIA轻触觉评分和MBI评分均有改善,与入院时比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);多因素分析显示,SCI分级、入院时ASIA运动评分、入院时ASIA针刺觉评分等3个因素与出院时MBI评分密切相关,康复介入时间、康复疗程、入院时ASIA运动评分等3个因素与出入院MBI差值密切相关.结论 通过康复训练,各年龄阶段、不同损伤平面、不同损伤程度的SCI患者的ADL能力都可得到改善.入院时运动能力较好、康复疗程足够长、康复介入时间早的患者改善幅度也相对较大.     

Functional skills after spinal cord injury rehabilitation: three-year longitudinal follow-up

Reports that spinal cord injury (SCI) patients maintain or improve functional abilities after initial rehabilitation have been limited by small sample size, inadequate functional measures, cross-sectional assessment at only one point in time, and lack of detailed statistical analysis. This study evaluated the follow-up functional status levels of 236 patients with traumatic SCI who completed comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation and were also followed for three years. The sample population was 83% men, with a mean age of 27.0 years. The 100-point Modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to assess functional abilities. The 75 patients with complete quadriplegia had mean MBI scores of 30.3 at rehabilitation discharge and 37.8 at three-year follow-up. The 53 patients with incomplete quadriplegia were discharged with a mean MBI score of 53.8, and scored 68.3 at three-year follow up. The mean MBI scores for the 66 patients with complete paraplegia were 72.0 at discharge and 75.6 at three-year follow-up. The 42 patients with incomplete paraplegia had mean MBI scores of 77.0 at discharge and 86.1 at three-year follow-up. Each of the four groups demonstrated stability or increases in the proportions of patients who were independent in performance of each of the 14 MBI component tasks from discharge to follow-up. The finding that SCI patients, in this large series, maintained or improved functional levels for three years after discharge is consistent with previous studies and is reassuring to rehabilitation providers.     

Clinical characteristics and functional outcome of stroke patients 75 years old and older

Objective: To examine the demographic and clinical characteristics of stroke patients 75 years old and older admitted for rehabilitation, to study medical complications that occurred during rehabilitation, and to document functional outcome and possible factors influencing outcome.Design and Setting: A case series of 59 consecutive inpatients admitted to a rehabilitation facility with confirmed strokes over a 2-year period.Measures: Patients were selected by rehabilitation physicians for admission into the rehabilitation program. Measures for outcome include the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the patient's discharge disposition.Results: The mean age of this cohort was 80.4 ± 3.2 years, and mean lengths of stay in the acute and rehabilitation facilities were 15.2 and 37.4 days. Twelve patients had three or more medical illnesses; hypertension and diabetes were the most common. Cognitive impairment, urinary incontinence, and dysphagia requiring tube feeding were present in 45.1%, 33.9%, and 11.9% of patients, respectively. Nineteen patients (32.2%) developed medical complications, and urinary tract infection was the most common. Improvements in functional status, motor power, continence, and dysphagia were noted after rehabilitation. Fifty-three patients (89.8%) were successfully discharged home, 28.8% of whom employed domestic maids as caregivers. The discharge MBI score was strongly predicted by the admission MBI and cognition scores.Conclusion: Despite their age, significant functional improvements were documented in this cohort of aged stroke patients, and the majority were discharged home. Admission MBI and cognition scores strongly predicted functional outcome.     

Health status and functional status in relationship to nursing home subacute rehabilitation program outcomes

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship of health status and functional status to key nursing home subacute rehabilitation program outcomes: motor function at discharge, discharge destination, and length of stay in the program. DESIGN: Using a prospective cohort study design, 164 patients were assessed on entering the rehabilitation program for the first time after discharge from an acute hospital. Their median length of stay was 40 days. RESULTS: The patients' motor function improved over time (P < 0.0001), and a large majority were discharged to the community. At admission, health status was positively associated with motor function (P < 0.05) and cognitive function (P < 0.01). Higher cognitive function and higher motor function at admission were correlated with higher motor function at discharge (rs = 0.386, P < 0.0001; rs = 0.563, P < 0.0001 respectively). Better health status was independently associated with discharge to the community (P < 0.01). Only motor function at admission was independently associated with length of stay (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Health status and functional status are related, and both are independently associated with nursing home subacute rehabilitation program outcomes. Therefore, an improvement in one may result in an improvement in the other, and both aid in the attainment of positive subacute rehabilitation outcomes.     

互动式头针治疗脑卒中后运动功能障碍的效果

目的观察互动式头针治疗对脑卒中患者运动功能障碍的效果。方法36 例脑卒中患者被随机分为对照组(n=19)和治疗组(n=17)。对照组采用传统头针结合康复训练,治疗组采用互动式头针结合康复训练。共1 个月。采用Fugl-Meyer 评定量表(FMA)、Wolf 运动功能测试量表(WMFT)、改良Barthel 指数(MBI)评定治疗前后运动功能、日常生活活动能力。结果治疗后,两组FMA、WMFT、MBI 评分均明显提高(P<0.01)。两组间FMA下肢运动功能评分、MBI 评分治疗前后差值比较均有显著性差异(P<0.05);而FMA上肢运动功能评分、WMFT评分治疗前后差值均无显著性差异(P>0.05)。结论互动式头针治疗对脑卒中患者下肢运动功能、日常生活活动能力的改善优于传统头针治疗。     

Comparison of the action research arm test and the Fugl-Meyer assessment as measures of upper-extremity motor weakness after stroke

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative responsiveness of 2 commonly used upper-extremity motor scales, the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), in evaluating recovery of upper-extremity function after an acute stroke in patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: An acute stroke rehabilitation unit. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred four consecutive admissions (43 men, 61 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 72+/-13y) to a rehabilitation unit 16+/-9 days after acute stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following assessments were completed within 72 hours of admission and 24 hours before discharge: ARAT, upper-extremity motor domain of the FMA, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, FIM instrument total score, and FIM activities of daily living (FIM-ADL) subscore. RESULTS: The Spearman rank correlation statistic indicated that the 2 upper-limb motor scales (ARAT, FMA) correlated highly with one another, both on admission (rho = .77, P < .001) and on discharge (rho = .87, P < .001). The mean change in score from admission to discharge was 10+/-15 for the ARAT and 10+/-13 for the FMA motor score. The responsiveness to change as measured by the standard response mean was .68 for the ARAT and .74 for the FMA motor score. The Spearman rank correlation of each upper-limb motor scale with the FIM-ADL at the time of admission was as follows: ARAT, rho equal to .32 (P < .001) and FMA motor score, rho equal to .54 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Both the FMA motor score and the ARAT were equally sensitive to change during inpatient acute rehabilitation and could be routinely used to measure recovery of upper-extremity motor function.     

A multicenter investigation of age-related differences in lengths of stay, hospitalization charges, and outcomes for a matched tetraplegia sample.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of age at injury on lengths of stay, treatment costs, and outcomes using a matched sample of tetraplegic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. DESIGN: Differences were examined by separating the sample into three age categories (18 to 34, 35 to 64, and 65+ years old) matched for American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Motor Impairment Classification and level of neurologic preservation bilaterally. Analysis of variance was used to examine age group differences for lengths of stay, medical expenses, and functional outcome. SETTING: Sixteen medical centers in the federally sponsored Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Project. PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred seventy-five adult patients with tetraplegic SCI admitted between 1988 and 1996 were assessed at acute care admission, inpatient rehabilitation admission, and inpatient rehabilitation discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: ASIA Motor Index and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) admission, discharge, and efficiency scores; acute care and rehabilitation lengths of stay and medical care charges; and discharge disposition. RESULTS: Analyses revealed equivalent lengths of stay and charges for all age groups. There were no age-related differences in ASIA and FIM Motor scores at acute care and inpatient rehabilitation admission. Younger patients' scores on the FIM Motor subscale improved significantly more than did middle and older patients'. The two younger groups of patients had a more significant improvement than did older patients, as indicated by ASIA Motor Index scores. When taking lengths of stay into account, the FIM motor scores of the youngest group of patients improved more quickly than those of the two older groups. Furthermore, the younger and middle age groups demonstrated greater treatment efficiency than the older patient group based on ASIA Motor Index score ratios. Younger patients were least likely to be discharged to institutional settings. CONCLUSIONS: Along with neurologic and functional status, age should be considered when formulating treatment plans and prognostic statements. For older patients, alternative rehabilitation settings with lower-intensity treatment and lower charges may prove to be a more efficacious use of resources.     

急性脑卒中三偏征的早期康复效果观察

目的探讨急性脑卒中三偏征患者的早期康复治疗效果。方法86例急性脑卒中患者分为实验组(三偏征患者37例)和对照组(单纯性偏瘫患者49例)。两组患者均进行规范化康复治疗,治疗前和治疗3个月后给予美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NHISS)评定神经缺损功能、Fugl-Meyer运动量表(FMA)评定肢体运动功能、Fugl-Meyer平衡量表(FMB)评定平衡功能以及改良Barthel指数(MBI)评定日常生活活动能力,世界卫生组织生存质量测定简式量表(WHOQOL-BREF)评定生理、心理、环境及社会关系领域的生存质量。结果①两组治疗后NHISS评分较治疗前显著降低,FMA、FMB及MBI评分较治疗前显著提高;实验组治疗后NHISS评分显著高于对照组,FMA、FMB及MBI评分低于对照组。②两组治疗后WHOQOL-BREF在生理、心理及环境领域评分较治疗前显著提高,实验组治疗后WHOQOL-BREF在生理、心理领域评分低于对照组。结论早期康复治疗可以改善急性脑卒中三偏征患者功能状况及生存质量,但康复效果较非三偏征患者差。     

Acute stroke patients: long-term effects of rehabilitation and maintenance of gains

The efficacy of rehabilitation programs to facilitate recovery after acute stroke remains controversial. To further evaluate this issue, the records of 139 "middle-band" stroke survivors were reviewed retrospectively at admission to, discharge from, and one-year follow-up from inpatient rehabilitation. Patients were divided into two groups (out-patient [O/P] or no O/P) based on their involvement in physical and occupational therapy services. A repeated measures ANOVA indicated that both groups made clinically and statistically significant improvements in all functional indices between stroke onset, discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, and follow-up: O/P therapy: mobility F(1,46) = 1651, p less than .0001; self-care F(1,47) = 1062, p less than .0001; total F (1,47) = 1093, p less than .0001; no O/P therapy: mobility F(91,88) = 5643, p less than .0001; self-care F(1,88) = 5722, p less than .0001; total F(1,88) = 6733, p less than .0001. Pairwise comparisons for all functional indices revealed that all statistically significant changes in function in the no O/P therapy group occurred between stroke onset and discharge: self-care (p less than .0001), mobility (p less than .0001), and total (p less than .0001). Pairwise comparisons of all indices in the O/P therapy group revealed that all differences between stroke onset and discharge functional scores were at the p less than .0001 level, and score differences between discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and follow-up were as follows: self-care (p less than .05), mobility (p less than .001), and total (p less than .005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

新型感知提醒疗法与改良限制诱导运动疗法对偏瘫上肢功能疗效的对照研究

目的:对照研究改良限制-诱导运动疗法(modified constraint-induced movement therapy, mCIMT)与感知提醒疗法(sensory cueing treatment, SCT)对慢性期脑卒中患者上肢运动功能的疗效差异。方法:招募60名符合入选标准的脑卒中患者,随机分成mCIMT组(20例)、SCT组(20例)与对照组(20例)。三组均接受常规康复训练,mCIMT组与SCT组在此基础上分别接受连续3周的单侧和双侧上肢强化训练。所有患者均接受治疗前和治疗后的上肢功能评估,包括Fugl-Meyer上肢功能评定(FMA-UE)、上肢动作研究测试(ARAT)、运动活动日志(MAL)、改良Barthel指数(MBI)。结果:治疗前三组患者各项评定指标差异无显著性意义(P0.05)。与治疗前相比,治疗后mCIMT组与SCT组FMA-UE、ARAT、MAL与MBI得分均明显增加,其差异均有显著性意义(P0.05)。治疗后,mCIMT组MAL使用数量与活动质量评分均优于SCT组,其疗效差异具有显著性意义(P0.05)。治疗后,SCT组ARAT与MBI得分优于mCIMT组,其疗效差异具有显著性意义(P0.05)。结论:重复性单侧肢体强化训练(如m CIMT)与双侧上肢强化训练(如SCT)均能够有效提高脑卒中后偏瘫上肢的运动功能、日常使用频率与运动质量,以及功能性活动表现和日常生活自理能力。     

Serum albumin as a predictor of course and outcome on a rehabilitation service

To determine the effect of nutritional status on the medical course and rehabilitation outcome of patients on an adult rehabilitation service, serum albumin (SA) and total lymphocyte count (TLC) were prospectively studied on 36 patients. Readings were taken on admission (T-1), at which time a Barthel Index Mobility Goal (BIMG) was assigned, and again 4 to 8 weeks after admission (T-2). A Barthel Index Mobility Score (BIMS) was assigned at discharge. Rehabilitation program restrictions due to medical complications correlated negatively with both the SA level at T1 (r = -.328, p less than 0.05) and at T2 (r = -.523, p less than 0.01). The SA level at T2 correlated positively with the BIMS:BIMG ratio (r = .416, p less than 0.05) at discharge, suggesting that SA levels may predict patient mobility outcome.     

Urinary incontinence in stroke patients after admission to a postacute inpatient rehabilitation program

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of poststroke urinary incontinence in stroke patients admitted for a postacute inpatient rehabilitation program and its association with discharge destination. DESIGN: Cohort study of first-time stroke patients admitted for a postacute inpatient rehabilitation program from August 1994 to August 1997. SETTING: Rehabilitation center in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive first-time stroke patients (n = 143). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence rates calculated with observation time at risk in the denominator. Measures for outcome include the Modified Barthel Index (MBI) and the discharge destination. RESULTS: The incidence rate of urinary incontinence was 29/1000 persons per month (95% confidence interval [CI], 18-48/1000 persons monthly). For incontinent patients, the mean initial MBI score +/- standard deviation was 6.0 +/- 2.3 (range, 2-12); for continent patients, it was 11.5 +/- 9.8 (range, 2-18). This difference was statistically significant (t(139) = 2.12; p = .036; 95% CI for difference of the means, .379-10.84). Patients continent at time of discharge were more often discharged to their own homes than were incontinent patients (Fisher's exact test, p = .0006). CONCLUSIONS: In this select cohort, the incidence of urinary incontinence was lower than that reported in the literature. An association was found between urinary incontinence and discharge destination and between urinary incontinence and functional ability on admission.     

Specificity of functional mobility measures in older adults after hip fracture: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationships between measures of functional mobility (Timed Up and Go [TUG], Self-Paced Walking [SPW], Berg Balance Scale [BBS]) and global functional status (FIM trade mark instrument), the motor component of the FIM instrument (motor FIM), and the mobility/locomotor-specific FIM component (ML-FIM) in older patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation program after hip fracture. DESIGN: The TUG, SPW, BBS, and FIM instrument were administered within 24 hr after admission and before discharge to 20 patients undergoing inpatient rehabilitation after a hip fracture. RESULTS: Significant correlations at admission were found between FIM and TUG scores (r = -0.47; p < 0.05), TUG and motor FIM (r = -0.45; p < 0.05), TUG and ML-FIM (r = -0.58; p < 0.01), FIM and BBS (r = 0.60; p < 0.01), motor FIM and BBS (r = 0.50; p < 0.05), and ML-FIM and BBS (r = 0.45; p < 0.05). At discharge, a significant correlation was found between the motor FIM and SPW (r = -0.49; p < 0.05). Change scores between both the motor FIM and ML-FIM and TUG scores were significantly correlated (r = -0.47, p < 0.05, r = -0.50, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The FIM instrument, motor FIM, and ML-FIM may not be specific measures of functional mobility in patients with hip fracture.     

Functional outcome following traumatic brain injury: the Turkish experience

The objectives of this study were to describe the demographic characteristics and the nature of the functional recovery in a group of Turkish survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) who were referred for inpatient rehabilitation and identify variables correlated with discharge functional status as measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). There were 40 patients in the study, 32 (69.6%) male and eight (17.4%) female, mean age 28+/-9.8 years. Motor vehicle accidents accounted for 62.5% of injuries, 22.5% of injuries occurred from violence and 15% resulted from falls. The mean durations of acute hospital stay, coma, and rehabilitation stay was 68, 26.7, and 78.4 days, respectively. Extracranial injuries including bone fractures were the most common associated injuries and medical complications such as spasticity and contractures were present in more than half of the patients.TBI survivors in this study made statistically significant functional improvements. Discharge FIM were significantly correlated with the admission FIM, durations of acute hospital stay and coma, and time since TBI. Multiple regression analysis of the data disclosed that FIM score obtained at the time of discharge from rehabilitation service was best predicted by two variables, time since brain injury and the FIM score at admission (multiple R=0.78, R=0.60, P<0.001). This sample of Turkish TBI survivors showed significant functional improvements after rehabilitation and admission functional status and the time since TBI had the most impact on discharge functional outcome.     

Do Patients With COVID-19 Benefit from Rehabilitation? Functional Outcomes of the First 100 Patients in a COVID-19 Rehabilitation Unit

ObjectiveTo determine the benefits associated with brief inpatient rehabilitation for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) patients.DesignRetrospective chart review.SettingA newly created specialized rehabilitation unit in a tertiary care medical center.ParticipantsConsecutive sample of patients (N=100) with COVID-19 infection admitted to rehabilitation.InterventionInpatient rehabilitation for postacute care COVID-19 patients.Main Outcome MeasuresMeasurements at admission and discharge comprised a Barthel Activities of Daily Living Index (including baseline value before COVID-19 infection), time to perform 10 sit-to-stands with associated cardiorespiratory changes, and grip strength (dynamometry). Correlations between these outcomes and the time spent in the intensive care unit (ICU) were explored.ResultsUpon admission to rehabilitation, 66% of the patients were men, the age was 66±22 years, mean delay from symptom onset was 20.4±10.0 days, body mass index was 26.0±5.4 kg/m², 49% had hypertension, 29% had diabetes, and 26% had more than 50% pulmonary damage on computed tomographic scans. The mean length of rehabilitation stay was 9.8±5.6 days. From admission to discharge, the Barthel index increased from 77.3±26.7 to 88.8±24.5 (P<.001), without recovering baseline values (94.5±16.2; P<.001). There was a 37% improvement in sit-to-stand frequency (0.27±0.16 to 0.37±0.16 Hz; P<.001), a 13% decrease in post-test respiratory rate (30.7±12.6 to 26.6±6.1; P=.03), and a 15% increase in grip strength (18.1±9.2 to 20.9±8.9 kg; P<.001). At both admission and discharge, Barthel score correlated with grip strength (ρ=0.39-0.66; P<.01), which negatively correlated with time spent in the ICU (ρ=–0.57 to –0.49; P<.05).ConclusionsInpatient rehabilitation for COVID-19 patients was associated with substantial motor, respiratory, and functional improvement, especially in severe cases, although there remained mild persistent autonomy loss upon discharge. After acute stages, COVID-19, primarily a respiratory disease, might convert into a motor impairment correlated with the time spent in intensive care.