Effect of Moderate Exercise Training on Vitals and Peak VO2 in Different Age Categories of Adults in COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of moderate exercise training on vitals i-e., Blood pressure (Systolic and diastolic), Pulse Rate(PR), Respiratory Rate(RR) and Peak VO2 in different age categories of adults during COVID-19 pandemic.
 Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at a tertiary cardiac care center from Feb 2021 to May 2021.
 Methodology: It was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted generally for 6 months in tertiary care center. A total of 104 participants were included and divided into three groups i-e., Young adults (17-30 years), Middle age adults (31-45 years) and Old age (>45 years) Participants were selected through non-probability convenient sampling technique and allocated in groups based on their age. Participant, after meeting inclusion criteria were supervised during moderate exercise training which includes walking for 23 minutes, cycling for 23 minutes and stepping for 5 minutes. Participants were assessed Pre and Post through Manual sphygmomanometer for BP, NMQ for muscle discomfort. Borg scale was used to assess exertional level and 6 Minute Walk test to assess Peak VO2.
 Results: Post intervention between the groups showed the significant effect on all three assessment factors of VO2,Borg Scale and SBP with Kruskal Wallis test (p<0.05). Post intervention within the group showed significant effect on all three assessment factors of SBP,DBP,PR,RR,VO2 and Borg RPE scale with Friedman test (p<0.05). Post assessment of muscle discomfort shows highest frequency i-e 13.8(4%) in shoulder, thigh, upper and lower back region.
 Conclusion: This study reported that disturbed vitals and reduced VO2 due to inactivity because of COVID-19 pandemic. Post COVID-19 affects can be recovered through 6 weeks of moderate training. Furthermore, this study reported that participants belonging to old age showed maximum improvement in vitals in response to training while showed maximum muscle discomfort frequency in shoulder, thigh, lower and upper back