Assessment of dyspnoea and physical activity levels among Poles living in Poland and the United Kingdom in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic – a pilot study

Abstract

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the extent of dyspnoea and the relationship between dyspnoea and physical activity among Poles living in Poland and the United Kingdom (UK) in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. The pilot study was conducted in January 2023. The study authors received 200 questionnaires from respondents aged 18-69 years (104 from Poland and 96 from the UK). The level of dyspnoea was assessed using the Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MRC) questionnaire. Level of physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results. In the majority of cases, dyspnoea occurred only during heavy physical exertion and increased with age and more cases of COVID-19. A trend towards increasing dyspnoea with decreasing MET scores for moderate physical activity was observed. Respondents’ country of residence was not correlated with dyspnoea level. Conclusions. The introduction of regular physical activity may have an impact on reducing dyspnoea. Dyspnoea is a factor that influences the reduction of physical activity and leads to a change to a sedentary lifestyle.