COVİD-19 TANISI ALMIŞ KİŞİLERİN FİZİKSEL AKTİVİTE DÜZEYLERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

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 aimes to compare the changes in the physical activity levels of patients before and six month after Covid-19 in Turkey. Methods: One hundred and six participants that has been six months since Covid-19 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 6 month after Covid-19 (p=0.019). Vigorous-intensity physical activity levels were significantly decreased (Median: 0 (0-160) vs. 0 (0-0) Metabolic Equivalent Task minutes/ week, p=0.015) and perceived fatigue during exercise was significantly increased between before and 6th month after infection (Median: 5 (3-6) vs. 7 (5-8), 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 was seen in Covid-19 infected patients. We recommend to support gradually increased tailor-based exercise programmes by health professionals in public health agencies, not only for protecting the individuals from Covid-19 outcomes, but also for returning to their pre-infection fitness levels.