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Physical capacity assessment in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 diagnose

ABSTRACT SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), leading to hypoxemia. Physical capacity assessment can be performed before hospital discharge using submaximal exercise testing. This study sought to assess physical capacity and exercise tolerance with the six-minute step test (6MST) in hospitalized COVID-19 patients who required oxygen (O2) support during hospitalization. A prospective, interventional study was conducted with patients aged from 18 to 90 years who required oxygen therapy during hospitalization. Assessment was performed using Perme Score, followed by the 6MST tests, assessing the peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and subjective exertion perception by Borg Scale, before and immediately after the 6MST. A total of 31 patients, with a mean age of 51.9 years, were evaluated. Nasal cannula (NC) was the most used device (64.5% of patients). Regarding HR, BP, and Borg Scale, their mean value increased after 6MST. SpO2 showed a lower mean value after 6MST. Out of the 86.9% of patients who completed the test, 48.3% completed it with interruptions, and 12.9% had to suspend it. The 6MST was able to assess physical capacity and exercise tolerance, proving to be an effective tool for evaluating COVID-19 patients.