Clinical indicators for predicting physical activity levels in long-term COVID-19: Insights from physical exertion and oxygen saturation

Introduction: Long COVID-19 syndrome, affecting approximately 80% of adults after SARS-CoV-2 infection, often reduces physical activity due to fatigue and breathing difficulties, leading to impaired physical function and lung capacity. This cross-sectional study examined predictive variables such as physical exertion, heart rate, and oxygen saturation to assess physical activity levels in adults with long COVID-19 syndrome. 

Methods: We recruited 34 adults aged 19–55 with a COVID-19 history and assigned them to the long-COVID-19 and control group. They were evaluated using the 6-Minute Walk Test, modified Borg Dyspnoea Scale, heart rate, maximum oxygen uptake, and the IPAQ-Short Form for daily physical activity assessment. 

Results: The Borg Dyspnoea Scale, maximum oxygen uptake, and resting oxygen saturation emerged as crucial indicators for predicting physical activity levels in post-COVID-19 individuals. Compared to these variables, resting and post-exercise heart rates were statistically insignificant. 

Conclusion: Physical exertion and oxygen saturation are potentially crucial predictors of physical activity levels in individuals with persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms. These findings offer valuable insights for managing long COVID-19 syndrome, emphasising the need for tailored interventions to address reduced physical activity levels in affected individuals.