EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF COVID-19 PATIENTS IN TURKEY

Abstract

Purpose: Covid-19 is a viral infection that affects either the respiratory system or the other systems. Studies about the effects of Covid-19 on physical activity are still scarce. This study aims to compare the changes in the physical activity levels of patients before and six months after Covid-19 in Turkey. Methods: One hundred and six participants that have been six months after Covid-19 contraction were included in the study. Along with the Patient Assessment Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form was used to assess physical activity energy consumption (vigorous-intensity physical activities, moderate-intensity physical activities, walking, and total physical activities). Results: Participants became either less physically active or more sedentary six months after Covid-19 (p=0.019). Vigorous-intensity physical activity levels were significantly decreased (Mean±SD: 341±854 vs. 109±331 Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes/week, p=0.015), and perceived fatigue during exercise was significantly increased between before and six month after infection (Mean±SD: 4.76±2.17 vs 6.17±2.27, p=0.001). Participants who had dyspnea (n=12) during the period of Covid-19, did more moderate-intensity physical activity (p=0.020) and walking (p =0.021) after Covid-19, compared to those who had not. Conclusion: Particularly changes in vigorous-intensity physical activity levels and perceived fatigue during exercise were seen in Covid-19 infected patients. We recommend supporting gradually increased tailor-based exercise programs by health professionals in public health agencies, not only for protecting the individuals from Covid-19 outcomes, but also for returning to their preinfection fitness levels.

Keywords

• Covid-19
• Physical activity
• Questionnaire

COVİD-19 TANISI ALMIŞ KİŞİLERİN FİZİKSEL AKTİVİTE DÜZEYLERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Öz

Amaç: Covid-19 solunum sistemini veya diğer sistemleri etkileyen viral bir enfeksiyondur. Covid- 19’un fiziksel aktivite üzerindeki etkileri ile ilgili çalışmalar halen yetersizdir. Bu çalışmanın amacı Türkiye’de hastaların Covid-19 öncesi ve altı ay sonrası fiziksel aktivite düzeylerindeki değişiklikleri karşılaştırmaktır. Yöntem: Çalışmaya Covid-19’un üzerinden altı ay geçmiş 106 katılımcı dahil edildi. Hasta Değerlendirme Anketi ile birlikte, fiziksel aktivite enerji tüketimini (şiddetli fiziksel aktiviteler, orta yoğunlukta fiziksel aktiviteler, yürüme ve toplam fiziksel aktiviteler) değerlendirmek için Uluslararası Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi Kısa Formu kullanıldı. Sonuçlar: Katılımcılar, Covid-19’dan 6 ay sonra ya fiziksel olarak daha az aktif ya da daha sedanter hale geldi (p=0,019). Şiddetli fiziksel aktivite seviyeleri önemli ölçüde azaldı (Ortalama±SS:341±854 vs. 109±331, Metabolik Eşdeğer dakika/ hafta, p=0,015) ve egzersiz sırasında algılanan yorgunluk enfeksiyondan önceki ve sonraki altı ay arasında önemli ölçüde arttı (Ortalama±SS: 4.76±2.17 vs 6.17±2.27, p=0,001). Covid-19 döneminde nefes darlığı (n=12) olan katılımcılar, olmayanlara göre Covid-19 sonrası daha fazla orta yoğunlukta fiziksel aktivite (p=0,020) ve yürüyüş (p=0,021) yaptı. Tartışma: Covid-19 ile enfekte olan hastalarda özellikle şiddetli fiziksel aktivite seviyelerinde ve egzersiz sırasında algılanan yorgunlukta değişiklikler görüldü. Bireyleri sadece Covid-19 sonuçlarından korumak için değil, aynı zamanda bireylerin enfeksiyon öncesi fiziksel uygunluk seviyelerine geri dönmeleri için, halk sağlığı kurumlarındaki sağlık profesyonelleri tarafından kademeli olarak artırılan kişiye özel egzersiz programlarının desteklenmesini öneriyoruz.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Covid-19
• Fiziksel aktivite
• Anket

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