ABSTRACT
Introduction: The long-term impact of severe COVID-19 on the physical activity (PA) of patients is unknown. Method(s): Forty-nine patients (63% male, 47% ICU stay, mean+/-SD 61+/-10 y, BMI 29.6+/-4.5 kg/m2) were assessed 1 year after hospital discharge for severe COVID-19. PA was objectively measured with the Dynaport Movemonitor for 1 week. Pulmonary function (FEV1, diffusion capacity (DL,co)), physical functioning (6 minute walking distance (6MWD), quadriceps force (QF)) and symptoms of dyspnea were assessed. Pearson correlations were used, to explore the association between PA (mean step count) and these outcomes. Low PA levels was defined as a mean step count of <7500 steps/day. Result(s): Patients had a mean daily total walking time of mean+/-SD 80+/-41 min/day and a mean movement intensity of 1.99+/-0.35 m/s2. They performed 6817+/-3567 steps/day. One year after discharge 65% of patients retained low PA levels. PA was not different between patients who had an ICU stay and those who did not (6667+/-4650 steps/day vs. 6943+/-2408 steps/day, p=0.80;71% vs 64% with low PA levels, p=0.29). 20% of patients reported mMRC dyspnea scale scores >1;90% of them had low PA levels. PA was associated with 6MWD, but not with QF, FEV1 and DL,co (figure 1). Conclusion(s): A significant proportion of patients was inactive 1 year after severe COVID-19 with no difference between patients with or without ICU stay. PA was positively associated with exercise capacity.