Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread at an alarming rate worldwide. Its dominant feature is arterial hypoxemia seen due to ventilation perfusion mismatch. This causes reduced oxygen diffusion that affects functional capacity. Six-minute walk test is one of the commonly used test which is used to assess functional ability. However, it is more time-consuming and requires a 30-m corridor which is not always easily available. Studies have shown that the 1-minute sit to stand test (1-MSTST) is also useful for assessing functional capacity of patients with respiratory dysfunction. The aim of the study was to understand COVID-19 patient’s response to 1-MSTST with respect to number of repetitions, oxygen saturation, heart rate and perceived rate of exertion. Statistically significant difference was seen in pre and post parameters of heart rate (Pre: 91.73 ±17.12, Post: 116.06 ± 20.18, p< 0.0001); SpO2 (Pre: 97.04 ± 3.37, Post: 95.40 ± 3.93, p=0.005) and RPE (Pre: 0. 07 ± 0.25, Post: 1.49 ± 1.22, p< 0.0001). A mean of 21.26 ± 6.84 repetitions of sit to stand were performed in a minute. COVID-19 patients, thus, have significantly reduced functional capacity similar to that of patients with other respiratory dysfunctions. Thus, results of this study will enable therapist to plan the rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients to improve their functional capacity. This will enhance their ability to perform in activities of daily living and to participate in societal work and therefore will help in improving their quality of life. Key words: COVID-19, Physiotherapy, Sit to stand test, Functional Capacity Rehabilitation.

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Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease, causing a range of symptoms such as fever, cough, and dyspnea. 6 Minute walk test (6MWT) is recommended to measure functional capacity in COVID-19. 1- Min sit to stand (STS-1) test has been used as its alternative in various respiratory conditions. This retrospective study aims to explore the relationship between the two tests in patients with COVID-19. Patients and methods: The medical records of COVID-19 patients in a male step down unit, referred for physical therapy between the periods from 5th September, 2020 to 25th September, 2020 were analysed retrospectively. Hemodynamically stable patients who underwent 6MWT and STS-1 prior to discharge, were included in the analysis. SPSS Version 24 was used to find the correlation between 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and number of repetitions in STS-1; and to compare the haemodynamic responses between the two tests. Results: There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the 6MWD and the STS⁻¹ repetitions (r=0.75, p<0.0001). On comparison of the two tests, the change in heart rate (HR) was significantly greater in the STS⁻¹ (p = 0.027). Whereas, the change in dyspnea (modified Borg’s score) and SpO2 was similar in both the groups and was not statistically significant (p= 0.10, p=0.62; respectively). Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between the 6MWT and STS⁻¹ test with similar haemodynamic response and can perhaps be used as an alternative to 6MWT in COVID-19.

COVID-19 disease also known as SARS-COV-2 has made significant impact in India through millions of positive patients in this pandemic. One of the detriments of this disease is reduction in physical function and pulmonary function in turn affecting quality of life of COVID-19 patients. In this case series, 6 COVID-19 patients admitted in COVID-19 specific wards were assessed for physical functioning at pre-discharge phase, to form a baseline parameters to plan home programme and further physiotherapy rehabilitation post discharge.

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