Article Text
PDF
Abstract
Background Regular moderate-intensity exercise offers numerous health benefits. However, little is known about the prevalence of COVID-19 infection, illness duration and its association with cumulative physical activity among non-hospitalized young individuals.
Aim We aimed to investigate the risk of COVID-19, and the relationship between illness duration and physical activity in a non-hospitalized cohort of young individuals in the United Kingdom.
Methods We evaluated individuals aged 14-35 who attended a cardiac screening organized by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) between July 2021 and November 2021. Participants completed a novel COVID-19 questionnaire that collected information on demographics, infection status, symptoms, and illness duration (<1 week, 1-4 weeks, 4-12 weeks and >12 weeks). Individuals were classified as recreational athletes, elite athletes, or sedentary individuals. In addition, measures of physical activity (PA) were calculated using metabolic equivalents (METS) per minute per week, based on PA type, frequency, and intensity. This facilitated classification into five categories: A,0 (sedentary); B, <500 METS-min/week; C, 500-999 METS-min/week; D, 1000-1499 METS-min/week; and E, ≥1500 METS-min/week. Logistic and ordered logistic regressions were employed to understand the effects of all available variables on the risk of infection and illness duration.
Results 3820 individuals were evaluated (mean age, 21±7 years; 64% male, 91% white) and 771 (20%) tested positive for COVID-19 at least once (table 1 and 2). The risk of infection was higher in men (OR=1.20; 95%CI:1.02-1.42; p<0.032). Age (p=0.258), ethnicity (p=0.555), MET category (p>0.05), vaccination (p=0.168), and smoking status (p=0.597) did not exhibit evidence of associations with risk of COVID-19 infection. 81 (11%) individuals suffered from long-COVID. The presence of dyspnoea (OR=3.56, 95% CI 2.61-4.8), chest pain (OR=2.34, 95% CI 1.51-3.63), chest tightness (OR=2.73, 95% CI 1.91-3.90), palpitations (OR=3.13, 95% CI 1.56-6.34), fatigue (OR=2.97, 95% CI 2.24-3.96) and fever (OR=2.21, 95% CI 1.62-3.00) were associated with considerably higher chance of longer duration of illness. Men had a shorter illness compared to women (OR=0.56; 95% CI:0.41-0.75; p<0.001). Individuals who engaged in intense exercise (≥1500 METS-min/week) were approximately 50% less likely to have a severe form of the disease than sedentary individuals (OR=0.53; 95% CI: 0.35-0.79; p=0.002) (figure 1).
Conclusions Our study found that regular moderate to high intensity exercise may have a protective effect against a prolonged illness duration among young, non-hospitalized individuals. Furthermore, men were at higher risk of infection, while women were more likely to experience a longer illness duration. The presence of cardiorespiratory symptoms was associated with a significantly higher illness burden. Our findings underscore the need for continued research into identifying risk factors and effective interventions to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.
Demographics of cohort
The effects of demographics, physical activity, and symptoms on disease duration
The effect of the available variables on the duration of the disease in COVID-19 positive participants
Conflict of Interest None