Avaliação da capacidade funcional e nível de atividade física em pacientes pós-COVID-19: um estudo piloto

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 has been a global threat since 2019 and is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. Many post-COVID-19 patients continue to experience clinical manifestations such as dyspnea, fatigue, and inability to perform their daily activities, causing limitations. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to assess the relationship between the level of physical activity and the functional capacity of this population. Objective: To evaluate the results of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and examine its relationship with the functional capacity of post-COVID-19 patients measured by the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Methods: 15 participants aged 18 and above, both sexes, with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, sedentary, and without underlying respiratory disease. The volunteers completed a clinical evaluation form and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and subsequently performed the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Results: There was no significant difference in physical activity level (p>0.05) between the 6MWT, its variables, and the levels of physical activity generated by the IPAQ. Additionally, there was only a moderate, significant positive correlation between the 6MWT and age (p=0.02; Rho=0.59). Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between the IPAQ and the 6MWT, as well as between the IPAQ subcategories and the 6MWT variables. However, there is a moderate correlation between the distance covered in the 6MWT and age. Therefore, further studies are needed to assess physical and functional performance in the post-COVID-19 population.