Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
International Journal of Clinical Practice, cilt.2026, sa.1, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which initiated a pandemic in 2020, continues to be prevalent. It may impact various organs and systems. Many COVID-19 survivors experience cognitive symptoms, and their physical fitness may decrease postinfection. Objective: To assess the impact of COVID-19 and its severity on cognitive functions and to investigate the relationship between cognitive functions and physical fitness after COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study included individuals with a history of COVID-19. The sociodemographic features of participants were recorded. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was performed to evaluate cognitive functions. The 6-min walk test and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed to assess physical fitness. Results: Fifty-nine participants were evaluated at a median of 66 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Eighteen (30.5%) exhibited cognitive impairment. The participants with severe–critical COVID-19 history had lower total MoCA (25 vs. 27, p = 0.009), language (4 vs. 6, p = 0.003), attention–concentration–working memory (5 vs. 6, p = 0.009), and executive functions scores (3.5 vs. 4, p = 0.035) than those with mild–moderate COVID-19 history. In regression analyses, disease severity was related to lower total MoCA (p < 0.001), language (p < 0.001), and attention–concentration–working memory (p < 0.001) scores. In regression analyses, shorter walking distance was related to lower executive functions score (p = 0.001), and lower maximum oxygen consumption was related to lower short-term memory score (p < 0.001). Conclusion: After COVID-19, individuals may experience cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is more evident after more severe COVID-19, especially in the areas of language and attention–concentration–working memory. There is an association between cognitive functions, particularly in short-term memory and executive functions, and physical fitness following COVID-19. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04753346.