Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
Physical activity and post-COVID symptoms: Findings from the EPICOVID 2.0 survey in Brazil
Deanivea Mendes Felix1, Vishnu Jaisree Mohandas1, Otávio Amaral de Andrade Leão1
1Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 S 4(th) St., Champaign, IL 61820, United States of America.
Objective:
This study primarily aims to analyze changes in physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and their association with post-COVID symptoms. We also examined associations between sociodemographic variables (sex, region, wealth quintile, education, age, and race/ethnicity) and physical activity.
Methods:
Using data from the 2024 Brazilian national survey EPICOVID 2.0, with 33,250 participants, we analyzed self-reported changes in physical activity during the pandemic. To test associations between four categories ("Never Practiced" as reference category, "Decreased", "Maintained", or "Increased") and 14 post-COVID symptoms, we used adjusted Logistic regression models. Establishing a threshold of p < 0.004, after Bonferroni correction.
Results:
The "Maintained" physical activity group had a significantly lower proportion of tiredness, Odds Ratio [95 % CI] = 0.57[0.39, 0.83], and joint pain, OR [95 % CI] = 0.61 [0.44, 0.84]. Even though not statistically significant, the "Decreased" activity group showed higher odds of some post-COVID symptoms.
Conclusion:
Compared to the reference group, participants who maintained some level of physical activity during the pandemic have lower odds of presenting some post-COVID symptoms. Results highlight the importance of sustained engagement in physical activity and the need for targeted interventions to promote equitable access.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress testing, commonly known as a treadmill test, is a noninvasive procedure used to evaluate cardiovascular function and diagnose heart conditions.
Definition
An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle. Chest electrodes record the heart's electrical activity through an ECG, and blood pressure is monitored regularly.
Purposes
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
01:22Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD: