Evaluation of the Relationship Between Daily Physical Activity Level and Laboratory Factors and the Length of Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Background: Different degrees of disorders are reported in the respiratory, physical, and psychological functions of patients with corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). With the experience of improved and discharged COVID-19 patients, physical activity and sports are considered as one of the factors in controlling chronic mental and physical illnesses. Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the impact of the level of physical activity on some important clinical parameters and convalescence. Methods: Overall, 71 patients with COVID-19 under the age of 65 years admitted to the hospital with positive PCR were included in the study. Based on Beck’s questionnaire, patients were divided into two groups of (1) low and (2) moderate to high physical activity. The duration of hospitalization and some important clinical tests were examined at the time of hospitalization and discharge. The patients were then monitored until discharge. Results: Statistical analyses showed that people with moderate to high physical activity were discharged earlier than the group with low physical activity (P < 0.01). Moreover, patients with moderate to high physical activity had lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate than the group with low physical activity at discharge (P = 0.01). Conclusions: Moderate to high physical activity can significantly reduce the length of hospitalization by improving the immune system to fight COVID-19. However, the factors that can be examined in expressing the reason for this finding need further studies.