COVID-19 is a multisystemic condition that can cause persistent symptoms, including emotional alterations such as anxiety, depression, and stress. These symptoms may influence functional outcomes, including postural balance, but their relationship remains unclear.

To compare body balance between controls and post-COVID-19 patients and analyze the correlation between body balance and the symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress in post-COVID-19 patients.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 30 controls and 30 post-COVID-19 patients. Postural balance in both groups was assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Mini-BESTest (MBT). Anxiety, depression and stress symptoms were assessed with the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). The Mann-Whitney non-parametric test for independent samples was used to compare the scores obtained in the balance tests and emotional aspects of the DASS-21 between the groups (control and post COVID-19). Spearman's correlation test was used to correlate the results of the balance tests with the DASS 21.

No significant differences in balance tests were observed between the control and post COVID-19 groups (p > 0.05). In the post COVID-19 group, all the balance tests were positively correlated with the emotional aspect of depression on the DASS-21 scale. A moderate positive correlation was observed between stress and the MBT balance test.

The main findings of this research indicated a low risk of falls in the post-COVID-19 group. The assessment of depression and stress may provide valuable insights into balance instability in post-COVID-19 individuals.

These findings suggest that emotional symptoms should be considered when evaluating postural balance, potentially contributing to a more comprehensive approach to motor rehabilitation.