Psychomotor and neurofunctional sequelae after COVID-19.

Abstract

Objective: A previous study by our research group identified psychomotor and neurofunctional impairments following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study continues that investigation, aiming to evaluate whether these impairments persisted over time, as part of the broader characterisation of long COVID. Moreover, it was explored potential correlations with variables such as age, blood type, symptoms, and medical care.

Methods: From an initial pool of 214 subjects, 30 post-COVID-19 participants and 30 healthy controls were selected after strict exclusion criteria. The assessments protocol included eight psychomotor tests - Fine Motor Development (Diadochokinesia, Puppets, Fan, and Paper) and Balance (Immobility, Static Balance on One Foot, Feet in Line, and Persistence) - as well as three cognitive screening tasks from the Mini-Mental State Examination: Episodic Memory After Distracters, Verbal Fluency, and Clock tests. Evaluations were performed at three time points: baseline (post-COVID-19), 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Participants were stratified by age (18-30, 31-45, and 46-64 years), symptoms profile, medical care, and blood type.

Results: COVID-19 induced psychomotor and neurofunctional sequelae lasting at least 24 weeks post-infection. These impairments were more pronounced and persistent in the 31-45-years age group, while memory-related impairments were more evident in the 18-30 age group. Body pain, coryza, and sore throat were key symptoms linked to long-term sequelae. Rh-negative blood type was suggested as a potential risk factor.

Conclusion: The findings support that long COVID included sustained psychomotor and neurofunctional sequelae, premature senescence, and associations with specific clinical and biological variables.