Abstract
Long COVID has been linked to a decline in physical activity and functional capacity. However, it remains unclear which physical symptoms are associated with specific aspects of movement behaviors and functional capacity. Here we aim to investigate the associations of fatigue, dyspnea, post-exertional malaise, and myalgia with movement behaviors and functional capacity in individuals with Long COVID. An exploratory cross-sectional multicenter study was accomplished with individuals aged 18–75 years with Long COVID. Questionnaires were utilized to assess fatigue, dyspnea, post-exertional malaise, and myalgia. Accelerometry was employed for one week to assess sedentary time, steps per day, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The six-minute walk test, 30-s chair stand test, and timed up and go were employed to assess functional capacity. A functional score was calculated by aggregating the results of all tests through Z score. 102 community-dwelling had been living with Long COVID for 15 ± 10 months. Fatigue and post-exertional malaise showed a negative association with step count, while post-exertional malaise was also negatively associated with MVPA. Dyspnea showed a negative association with the functional score. Our findings suggest fatigue and post-exertional malaise were negatively associated with physical activity, while dyspnea showed a negative association with functional capacity.