Increase of physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemia

Aim: The coronavirus COVID-19 is a viral disease that has caused a global pandemic. The first cases of infection appeared in the city of Wuhan in China during December 2019. Gradually, this virus spread to all parts of the world. As a result of the outbreak of the pandemic, lockdown measures were implemented around the world, leading to a reduction in transmission. The restrictions had a negative impact on both physical activity and mental health of the people. Studies that analyzed physical activity concluded that as a result of quarantine measures, sedentary behavior and time spent in front of television screens increased and eating habits worsened. Physical activity represents a therapeutic effect for the organism, an opportunity to recover more quickly after overcoming the disease of COVID-19, alleviate the symptoms of this disease, increase the functionality of the organism, and overall improve the quality of life. © 2022, LIECREH GUTH. All rights reserved.

Comparison of the quality of life of patients with liver cirrhosis before and during the COVID-19 lockdown in Slovakia.

Liver cirrhosis is associated with a poor quality of life (QOL). The COVID-19 pandemic has led to several restriction measures and psychosocial consequences whose impact on QOL has combined with that of cirrhosis in an unknown way. Therefore, we have used our cirrhosis registry to assess the quality of life before the pandemic (on the first admission to the tertiary liver unit) and during the most pronounced phase of the first lockdown. In this cross-sectional study conducted during the first lockdown in Slovakia (from April to May 2020), we have repeated the QOL measurement of QOL in cirrhotic patients previously enrolled in the RH7 registry. Patients who were alive (according to the national registry of deaths) were identified and contacted by phone with a structured and standardized interview led by trained professionals. The tool used for both QOL measurements (at enrolment in RH7 and during lockdown) was a standardized and validated EuroQOL-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire. The study included 97 patients, of which 37 (38.1%) were women and 60 (61.9%) were men. Responses were achieved from 75 patients (68.18%). In general, patients scored their quality of life significantly higher during the pandemic compared to examination at admission to RH7 (that is, at admission to our tertiary liver unit with cirrhosis) (p = 0.005). In particular, of the domains included in EQ-5D: (1) self-care was better during lockdown compared to the first record on admission to RH7 (p < 0.001). (2) the ability to perform daily activities has also improved during lockdown (p = 0.002). On the other hand, (3) pain and discomfort did not change significantly during the lockdown compared to the previous measurement (p = 0.882). (4) anxiety and depression were lower during lockdown compared to admission to RH7 (p = 0.01). The quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis was better during the lockdown of SARS-CoV-2 compared to the previous measurement at admission to the tertiary liver unit.

Long - COVID in patients after infection overcoming

Coronavirus COVID-19 infection is the leading cause of a global pandemic, leading to significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. In patients with COVID-19 infection, mild symptoms usually decrease in 7-10 days. Some patients who have recovered from COVID-19 will experience persistent or new symptoms lasting weeks or months. In the literature, this condition is commonly referred to as long - COVID or post COVID syndrome. Many patients have persistent serious health problems, including difficulty breathing, persistent fatigue, decreased muscle function, and impaired daily activities. Patients’ symptoms may be continuous, recurrent, and intermittent. Patients can use several forms of rehabilitation, such as respiratory rehabilitation, simple forms of aerobic exercise, and strength exercises. Rehabilitation treatment aims to improve the patient’s functional condition, leading to improved quality of life and reduced physical impairment. The multimodal approach can be complemented by therapies focused on pain of the patients. © 2022, LIECREH GUTH. All rights reserved.

The level of physical activity of university students in Slovakia during COVID - 19 pandemic

Background and Study Aim COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has affected several areas of human and public life. The implementation of the restrictions affects free movement, leading to limited physical activity (PA) level. The main aim of the study was to determine the level of PA of university students in Slovakia during COVID-19 pandemics. Material and Methods The sample consisted of 3128 university students. Data was obtained from students from three universities with different specializations. A questionnaire about lifestyle with questions about physical activity was used. The questionnaire was distributed using online communication systems of universities. The online questionnaire was answered by 3128 students. Results Analyzed data were obtained from 3128 students. The results indicate that 38% of all students exercise 3-4 times per week, while 41% exercise 1-2 times per week, and 21% do not exercise at all, or exercise 1-2 times per month. Found weak positive correlation (r=0,337) was between the exercise frequency and perception of well-being, and a very weak positive correlation (r=0,187) between the exercise frequency and stress intensity. A moderate positive correlation was found between the perception of health and life energy (r=0,579). A moderate positive correlation was observed between the perception of health and physical strength (r=0,579). Conclusions COVID-19 restrictions have been associated with the reduction of physical activity of the students.To avoid the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, it is necessary to promote activity among university students.

Rehabilitation and physical activity for COVID-19 patients in the post infection period.

The first cases of COVID-19 were initially recorded in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei Province. The situation quickly escalated and turned into a global pandemic. COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease that leads to decreased respiratory, physical, and psychological function of affected patients (2). Patients' symptoms widely vary; from asymptomatic course to severe symptoms. Decrease in physical function, and, in some cases, a persistence of symptoms may be observed in patients, who overcame the infection period. Rehabilitation represents a potential treatment option for COVID-19 patients in post-infection period. Rehabilitation therapies may help to restore physical function in patients and to reduce the long-term effects of COVID19 infection (Ref. 37). Text in PDF www.elis.sk Keywords: COVID19, rehabilitation, post-infection syndrome.

Possibilities of rehabilitation in corona virus disease (COVID-19)

Basis: Pathogen causing COVID-19 is the new coronavirus that was identified at the end of January 2020. Studies are mostly limited to hospitalized patients with pneumonia in majority of described symptoms. Incubation period is estimated 4 days (but it can vary from 2 to 14 days). Symptoms: Among most common symptoms in patients admitted to hospital belong fever, cough, myalgia, fatigue and dyspnoea. The course of fever in patient with COVID-19 is not completely unambiguous. Symptoms may variously vary and can be seen from asymptomatic to mild and severe. COVID-19 infection can be also asymptomatic Methods: Respiratory rehabilitation is based on complex assessment of patients health state, various individualized techniques focused on complication prevention that might cause or worsen respiratory symptoms. Conclusion: Respiratory rehabilitation includes general exercises focused on condition improvement. Exercises to strengthen inspiration muscles play important role. Respiratory rehabilitation is also focused on cough training, removing of secretion from airways. Respiratory rehabilitation includes also psychological component associated with patient education. © 2020, Liečreh s.r.o. All rights reserved.