People post-COVID-19 experience long-term decline in physical activity

People post-COVID-19 may experience persistent symptoms affecting physical activity (PA) and overall wellbeing. This study aimed to assess PA and related outcomes over time in this population. An observational study followed a cohort of people post-COVID-19 for six months, starting at 12 months after medical discharge. PA (inertial systems), functional capacity [6-minute walking distance (6MWD); 1-minute sit-to-stand (1minSTS)], quadriceps, handgrip, and respiratory muscle strength (dynamometry; manometry), as well as dyspnoea, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (questionnaires) were assessed. Data were age- and sex- adjusted. Mixed models, Friedman tests, Cochrane Q, and Fisher exact tests explored differences in quantitative and qualitative outcomes over time. One hundred and forty-eight people post-COVID-19 (58±15 years; 54% male) were included. Participants reduced sedentary time [−46 min/day 95%CI (−83; -8)], but also their time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA [−41 min/day 95%CI (−66; -17)], and steps/day [−864 95%CI (−1620; -109)]. Physically inactive people (<5000 steps/day) increased from 34% to 40%. Functional capacity improved [6MWD: +20 metres 95%CI (6; 34), 1minSTS: +2 reps 95%CI (1; 3)], and the number of participants with muscle strength impairment decreased from 94% to 91%. Dyspnoea and fatigue persisted in 12% and 35% of participants, respectively, and HRQoL remained compromised in 26% of participants. A large proportion of people post-COVID-19 remain physically inactive and symptomatic, potentially affecting their HRQoL in the long term. Targeted interventions are needed to address these challenges and prevent their impact on health status and wellbeing.