COVID-19 and Postural Control-A Stabilographic Study Using Rambling-Trembling Decomposition Method.

Magdalena Żychowska,Kamila Jaworecka,Marian Rzepko,Adam Reich,Kajetan Słomka,Wojciech Marszałek,Wojciech Czarny,Ewelina Mazur

doi:10.3390/medicina58020305

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Some respiratory viruses demonstrate neurotropic capacities. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently taken over the globe, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on postural control in subjects who have recently recovered from the infection. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three convalescents who underwent COVID-19 within the preceding 2–4 weeks, and 35 healthy controls were enrolled. The ground reaction forces were registered with the use of a force platform during quiet standing. The analysis of the resultant center of foot pressure (COP) decomposed into rambling (RAMB) and trembling (TREMB) and sample entropy was conducted. Results: Range of TREMB was significantly increased in subjects who experienced anosmia/hyposmia during COVID-19 when the measurement was performed with closed eyes (p = 0.03). In addition, subjects who reported dyspnea during COVID-19 demonstrated significant increase of length and velocity of COP (p < 0.001), RAMB (p < 0.001), and TREMB (p < 0.001), indicating substantial changes in postural control. Conclusions: Subjects who had experienced olfactory dysfunction or respiratory distress during COVID-19 demonstrate symptoms of balance deficits after COVID-19 recovery, and the analysis using rambling-trembling decomposition method might point at less efficient peripheral control. Monitoring for neurological sequelae of COVID-19 should be considered.

Highlights

Some respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses, demonstrate neurotropic capacities and ability to trigger immune response in the nervous system in vulnerable populations [1]
The neurological manifestations are usually related to the “cytokine storm,” which results from the immune reaction to the infection of the central nervous system (CNS)
A case-control study was carried out between November 2020 and January 2021 to compare stabilographic parameters characterizing postural control in otherwise healthy adult subjects who had recently recovered from COVID-19 and age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers who had not been infected with SARS-CoV-2

Summary

Introduction

Some respiratory viruses, including coronaviruses, demonstrate neurotropic capacities and ability to trigger immune response in the nervous system in vulnerable populations [1]. Long-term complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection are increasingly recognized and have recently become major concerns. These sequelae include pulmonary fibrosis and direct or indirect damage to the neurons in the CNS or peripheral nervous system (PNS). Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently taken over the globe, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Subjects who reported dyspnea during COVID-19 demonstrated significant increase of length and velocity of COP (p < 0.001), RAMB (p < 0.001), and TREMB (p < 0.001), indicating substantial changes in postural control. Conclusions: Subjects who had experienced olfactory dysfunction or respiratory distress during COVID-19 demonstrate symptoms of balance deficits after COVID-19 recovery, and the analysis using rambling-trembling decomposition method might point at less efficient peripheral control. Monitoring for neurological sequelae of COVID-19 should be considered

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion