The Effect of Long Covid Syndrome on Physical Activity

Author

Patrisha Hanna VillarmeaFollow

Date of Award

Fall 9-12-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Exercise Science

Department

Kinesiology

First Advisor

Dr. Brenda Kehret

Abstract

Long covid syndrome is a condition where individuals experience persistent symptoms and functional limitations that can last about three months to two years after the initial Covid-19 infection. While long-term health consequences of Covid-19 have garnered significant attention,the impact of long covid syndrome symptoms is poorly understood. The purpose of the study is to explore the effect of long covid syndrome symptoms to an individual’s physical activity. Furthermore, this research aims to provide an overview of the existing literature on the effect of long covid syndrome symptoms on physical activity. The research would invite participants to answer two surveys that will outline their covid-19 medical history and their current physical activity using a long covid survey made by the researcher and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Long Version). The participants will be invited through social media (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the professional network of the researcher) with a target sample size of 10% of the survey population. With fatigue and dyspnea as the main symptoms of long covid syndrome, the study hypothesizes that long covid syndrome symptoms have a negative impact on the amount of physical activity engaged by an individual. The researcher recommends further investigation of the post-pandemic effect that can affect activities of daily living as well as quality of life.

Recommended Citation