Physical activity in daily life and clinical characteristics of recovered COVID-19 patients

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The relationship between low physical activity in daily life (PADL) and poorer health outcomes has been widely reported. Many COVID-19 patients need in-hospital care, which may result in prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), potentially leading to negative long-term effects on symptoms, physical function and, ultimately, PADL. However, data on the relationship between PADL and clinical characteristics in patients admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 is scarce. <b>Aim:</b> To investigate correlations between PADL and clinical characteristics post-hospital discharge in recovered COVID-19 patients. <b>Methods:</b> COVID-19 patients were evaluated 15.36±4.37 weeks following hospital discharge. Assessments were made of: PADL using the Actigraph GT3X (Actigraph, Pensacola, FL); dyspnea via the MRC scale; and lower limb function via 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-STS). <b>Results:</b> Twenty-six participants were included (10 men; 56±13 years; FVC%pred: 87±17; FEV1/FVC%: 89±12; LOS 7±7 days; step count 4142±2485 steps/day; MRC: 2.8±1.4; 1-STS: 21±6). An inverse correlation was observed between PADL and LOS (r= -0.40; p= 0.04) and between PADL and MRC (r= -055; p= 0.004). No correlation was demonstrated between PADL and 1-STS (r =0.33; p= 0.09). <b>Conclusion:</b> People admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 present a poor PADL (i.e. step count) following hospital discharge. Those who had a longer LOS are likely to need more assistance from rehabilitation professionals to improve PADL and reduce symptoms.