Abstract
Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected many lives worldwide.
Studies revealed that there is a prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19 positive patients.
The research problem identified for this study focused on determining whether these musculoskeletal
symptoms were present during and two months or longer after testing positive for COVID-19. It also
focused on determining which areas of the musculoskeletal system were most affected during and after
the COVID-19 infection.
Aim: The primary aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and type of musculoskeletal symptoms
experienced by COVID-19 patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus during the pandemic.
This study focussed on areas of the body that form part of the musculoskeletal system, most commonly
muscles and joints. The study also helped to evaluate how patients felt both during and after their
infectious period in an Indian population group in the area of Lenasia Extension 9, in Johannesburg,
South Africa.
Method: This research was an explorative, cross-sectional, and quantitative study. This study made use
of a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed electronically and was
used to determine the musculoskeletal symptoms during and after the COVID-19 infection.
Procedure: A Google Forms link was distributed via WhatsApp messenger groups to the members of
the Lenasia Extension 9 community. The link included the questionnaire with an attached information
letter and consent form.
Results and discussion: The area’s most commonly affected two months or longer after COVID-19
were the head (11.4%, n=41), neck (13.9%, n=50), shoulders (11.4%, n=41), upper back (9.1%, n=33),
lower back (14.7%, n=53) and generalised (6.6%, n=24) discomfort or pain. Participants reported
discomfort or pain that was present during COVID-19 and persisted for two months or longer after COVID-
19. There was an overall decline in general health and energy levels two months or longer after
contracting COVID-19.
Conclusion: This study revealed that there is a noticeable link between the musculoskeletal system and
COVID-19. Upon investigation, it has been found that there was a significant difference between
musculoskeletal symptoms before, during, and after COVID-19. Participants reported discomfort or pain
and an overall decline in general health and energy levels that persisted for two months or longer after
COVID-19, indicating that musculoskeletal symptoms are a complication of COVID-19.
Keywords: COVID-19, musculoskeletal symptoms, discomfort or pain, energy levels, general health.