A randomized controlled trial examining the impact of low vs. moderate-intensity aerobic training in post-discharge COVID-19 older subjects.

OBJECTIVE: Post-COVID-19 patients complained of pain, fatigue, breathlessness, and reduction in quality of life which required planned intervention. This study aimed to compare the impact of 10 weeks of low vs. moderate-intensity aerobic training on physical fitness, psychological status, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 older subjects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 72 patients were randomized into 3 equal groups, moderate-intensity exercise (MIG, n = 24), low-intensity exercise (LIG, n = 24), and control group (CG, n = 24). The exercise was done 40 min/4 times per week for 10 weeks. We measured exercise capacity using the six-minute walking test, 1 min sit-to-stand test, post-COVID-19 functional scale (PCFS), and quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire and HAMILTON Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS: There was no difference between groups regarding the demographic and most clinical characteristics of the subjects. Compared with CG there were statistically significant improvements in studying groups (MIG and LIG) with (p < 0.05) in most outcomes and the improvement was higher in MIG than in LIG in most outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: 10-week moderate-intensity and low-intensity aerobic training programs are effective with superior effect to moderate-intensity. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is more effective and feasible in post-discharge COVID-19 older subjects regarding exercise capacity, quality of life, and psychological status than low-intensity aerobic exercise.

Knowledge, Attitude & Practices of Surgeons in the time of COVID-19

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices of surgical interns, residents and surgeons in the time of COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on surgical interns, trainees, registrar and consult-ants working in public and private sector tertiary care hospitals of Karachi. Non-Convenience sampling technique is used. A total of 184 patients were included. The study was performed on assessing patients' demographics, basic knowledge and awareness of COVID 19 and individuals' practices toward COVID 19 in their professional routines. Data were stored and analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 23.0. Pearson Chi Square test was used to test the association outcomes, awareness and attitude items on COVID-19 between private and public sector hospitals. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant Results: The study comprised a total of 184 participants. Mostly from public 115(63%) rest 69(37%) belonged private sector hospitals. Most respondents 122(66.3%) were aware of COVID 19 incubation, symptoms and the detection of patients at risk and modalities of transmission in operating rooms. Results showed among public vs Private sector hospitals (81.7% / 68.1%) were treating corona virus, there were (35.7% / 46.3%) screening and admitted the cases, (56.5% / 62.4) tentative numbers of COVID-19 cases reported range from 0-25, (40.9%/11.6%) surgeons were assigned additional duties for COVID-19 by hospital management found statistically significant with "p<0.01". Conclusion: It is concluded after this study that the surgeons in Pakistan are well aware of the situation, have adequate knowledge of the risk factors and symptoms of COVID-19. But statistically, probably because of limited resources and work load, there is a substantial gap in practices between public and private sector surgeons. There is also a dire need to develop local guidelines related to preventive measures in our health care systems according to our demands and supply.