Effect of physical activity level on the course of pneumonia caused by COVID-19

Abstract

Data from medical records of 144 COVID-19 patients who completed inpatient treatment, as well as subsequent questionnaires using a modified questionnaire, were analyzed. The relationship between the level of physical activity, performance, and quality of life (before and after treatment), age, frequency of exercise therapy at the hospital stage, the presence of stool disorders, and episodes of increased blood pressure after treatment with the course of the disease were evaluated. Patients were divided into a control and experimental group depending on the initial subjective level of performance. The moderate form prevailed (69,44%). The mild form is typical for younger patients, patients older than 50 years make up 62,49% of the total number of cases of severe course. Patients who had a severe form of the disease noted the quality of life and performance before the disease at a lower level, in contrast to those who had a medium and light form. Initially leading a more active lifestyle, patients with initially higher performance and quality of life who performed exercise therapy at the hospital stage (with mild and moderate forms) have a more favorable course of the disease (reducing the time of hospitalization, early recovery of performance, reducing the number of CT scans). The initial higher physical activity contributes to a more favorable course of the disease. The initial higher physical activity contributes to a more favorable course of the disease. It is necessary to raise public awareness of the benefits of regular physical activity and its connection with the course of the disease, especially among the elderly, as well as to introduce exercise therapy at all stages of treatment.