Journal article 908 views 109 downloads
‘I Live a Kind of Shadow Life’: Individual Experiences of COVID-19 Recovery and the Impact on Physical Activity Levels
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume: 18, Issue: 21, Start page: 11417
Swansea University Authors: James Shelley, Joanne Hudson , Kelly Mackintosh , Keir Lewis , Gwyneth Davies , Melitta McNarry
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DOI (Published version): 10.3390/ijerph182111417
Abstract
Understanding of strategies to support individuals recovering from Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is limited. ‘Long-COVID’ is a multisystem disease characterised by a range of res-piratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal symptoms extending beyond 12 weeks. The...
Published in: | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |
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ISSN: | 1660-4601 |
Published: |
MDPI AG
2021
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Online Access: |
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URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa58491 |
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Abstract: |
Understanding of strategies to support individuals recovering from Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is limited. ‘Long-COVID’ is a multisystem disease characterised by a range of res-piratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal symptoms extending beyond 12 weeks. The aim of this study was to explore individuals’ experiences of recovering from COVID-19 to provide a better understanding of the acute and long-term impact of the disease on physical activity (PA). Individualised semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 adults recovering from COVID-19 at 6-11 months post-infection. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used, reaching saturation at 14 interviews (10 female; 47±7 years). Four overarching themes were identified: i) Living with COVID-19, including managing activities of daily living; ii) Dealing with the Unknown and self-management strategies; iii) Re-introducing physical activity; and iv) Challenges of returning to work. The return to PA, whether through activities of daily living, work or exercise, is often associated with exacerbation of symptoms, presenting a range of challenges for individuals recovering from COVID-19. Individually tailored support is therefore required to address the unique challenges posed by COVID-19. |
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Keywords: |
Exercise; SARS-CoV-2; Long-COVID; rehabilitation |
College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
Funders: |
Welsh Government Sêr Cymru III Tackling COVID-19
grant scheme (Reference MA/KW/1457/20); and The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales
Research Wales Innovation Fund (Collaboration Booster Faculty Fund), grant number FF4. J.S. was
part-funded by The Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS) |
Issue: |
21 |
Start Page: |
11417 |