Olfactory impairment associated with reduced physical capacity 24 months after COVID-19

Individuals with olfactory impairment in the early post-acute phase of COVID-19 infection were more likely to exhibit diminished physical capacity 24 months later. This study highlights the broader implications of olfactory impairment, previously noted mainly in older populations, demonstrating its relevance across age groups. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique opportunity to investigate this relationship, enhancing our understanding of how olfactory impairments relate to long-term physical performance. These findings emphasize the need for further research with larger, more diverse cohorts and objective longitudinal assessments to confirm and extend these observations.