Effect of physical activity on health during and after COVID-19 in Delhi

The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread lifestyle disruptions, particularly in densely populated urban centers like Delhi. This study investigates the multifaceted impact of pandemic-related restrictions on physical activity patterns and health outcomes among adolescents and adults. Cross-sectional surveys revealed that 58% of respondents in Delhi experienced a marked reduction in physical activity during lockdown, with adolescent physical activity dropping by over 25% and adult weight gain reported by 43% of respondents. Post-COVID clinical assessments showed a 15-20% decline in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), with nearly 39% of COVID-19 survivors reporting persistent fatigue and reduced stamina. However, intervention programs proved effective. A 6-week tele-rehabilitation program led to a 30-40% reduction in fatigue severity scores and a 27% increase in sit-to-stand test performance. Mental health also improved, particularly among middle-aged and female participants. These findings demonstrate the vital role of structured physical activity in both mitigating the health fallout of sedentary behaviors during lockdown and aiding recovery in post-COVID patients. Figure 1 illustrates comparative stamina levels before and after structured intervention among Delhi-based cohorts. The study advocates integrating physical activity into urban health policies and emergency preparedness plans, highlighting digital delivery platforms as scalable and inclusive tools for fostering public health resilience in post-pandemic India.