Functional Status, Mood State, and Physical Activity Among Women With Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

Objectives: While organ-specific pathophysiology has been well-described in SARS-CoV-2 infection, less is known about the attendant effects on functional status, mood state and leisure-time physical activity (PA) in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PASC). Methods: A case-control design was employed to recruit 32 women (n = 17 SARS-CoV-2; n = 15 controls) matched on age (54 ± 12 years) and body mass index (27 ± 6 kg/m²) that did not differ by smoking status or history of cardiopulmonary disease. Participants completed a series of assessments including Profile of Mood States (POMS), Modified Pulmonary Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire (PFSDQ-M), and Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time PA. Results: Significant between-group differences were detected for the POMS total mood disturbance with sub-scale analyses revealing elevated tension, confusion, and lower vigor among SARS-CoV-2 participants (all p-values < 0.05). The number of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms (e.g., loss of taste/smell, muscle aches etc.) were associated (r = 0.620, p = 0.008) with confusion. SARS-CoV-2 participants exhibited poorer functional status (p = 0.008) and reduced leisure-time PA (p = 0.004) compared to controls. Conclusion: The sequela of persistent SARS-CoV-2 symptoms elicit clear disturbances in functional status, mood state, and leisure-time PA among women with PASC. Ongoing symptom presentation affects recovery time-course and PA participation.