The relationship between comorbidities and physical activity and kinesiophobia of patients with heart rhythm disorders in Covid-19 pandemia

Abstract

Abstract Background/Introduction Covid-19 disease, which affects more than 128 million people worldwide, has caused changes in lifestyle and physical activity habits in patients with cardiovascular disease due to lockdown restrictions. During the pandemic period, patients with chronic diseases (also patients with comorbidities) cannot participate in physical activity and exercise programs due to social isolation. Purpose The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between the comorbidities of heart rhythm disorder patients and their physical activity levels and kinesophobia in the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods 105 individuals (54 healthy adults, 51 patients with heart rhythm disorders) were included in this study. Physical Activity Level: Physical activity level was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF). Fear of Movement: Fear of movement was evaluated using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia for Heart. The Comorbid Conditions: The comorbid conditions of the patients were evaluated by the Charlson comorbidity index. Results Table 1. In patients with heart rhythm disorders, there was a negative, moderate correlation between the Charlson comorbidity index and the number of daily steps (r=−402, p=0.03), while a positive, moderate relationship with the Charlson comorbidity index and Tampa score (r=391, p=0.05) has been found. Conclusion While the Charlson comorbidity index value and Tampa Score were higher in patients with heart rhythm disorders than in the control group, the number of inactive patients among the subgroups of the IPAQ-SF scale was higher than the control group. While heart rhythm disorders patients with more comorbidities are more prone to develop kinesiophobia, the number of daily steps decreases in the same direction. Management of comorbidities of patients with heart rhythm disorders can be provided by physical activity counseling to these people. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.