Dados do Trabalho

Título

Analysis of Sleep Quality, Functional Capacity, and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Elderly COVID-19 Survivors

Introdução

COVID-19 has had a substantial impact on sleep quality in older adults (De Lima et al., 2020). Additionally, the pandemic led to a significant decrease in physical activity and mobility among the elderly. The inability to leave home, suspension of exercise programs, and reduction in social activities resulted in a decline in muscle strength, physical endurance, and mobility (De Morais et al., 2022).

Objetivo

To analyze sleep quality, functional capacity, and respiratory muscle strength in elderly COVID-19 survivors.

Métodos

A cross-sectional study, approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (protocol 4.983.173). The sample, recruited via social media and flyers, included patients aged ≥ 60 years, diagnosed with COVID-19 through RT-PCR. Exclusion criteria included orthopedic, neurological, cardiovascular, and respiratory issues, as well as active infection phase. Assessments included maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) measurement using a manometer (cmH2O), actigraphy, PSQI, ESS, and the 6MWT. Data were presented as mean ± standard deviation.

Resultados

Ten elderly individuals were analyzed, 80% of whom were women, with a mean age of 68.20±3.25 years and a BMI of 28.55±5.12 kg/m². The total sleep time was 7.04±2.00 hours, with an average sleep latency of 3.21±1.89 minutes and a sleep efficiency of 83.15%±26.85. The average number of awakenings was 9.22±4.29, indicating significant sleep fragmentation. The mean PSQI was 10.39±3.87, suggesting poor sleep quality (Nogueira, 2020). The mean ESS score was 10.89±5.41, indicating excessive daytime sleepiness, which may negatively affect functionality (De Assis & Carballo, 2023).
The mean MIP was 57.3 cmH2O, corresponding to 74.10%±25.23 of the predicted value, suggesting respiratory muscle weakness, which may contribute to dyspnea and reduced aerobic capacity (Pereira et al., 2023). The 6MWT showed a mean of 352.6±83.87 meters, representing 77.65%±23.01 of the predicted value, indicating moderately reduced functional capacity, consistent with the findings of Lubian et al. (2022).

Conclusões

Based on the results, elderly COVID-19 survivors showed possible respiratory muscle impairment, with an MIP of 57.3 cmH2O (74.10% of the predicted value). Sleep quality was reduced, with low latency, poor efficiency, and frequent awakenings, leading to negative sleep perception and excessive daytime sleepiness. Functional capacity was moderately reduced, potentially affecting daily activities and social participation.

Palavras -chave

Sleep Quality; Aged; SARS-CoV-2.