Physical activity level one year following admission to the intensive care unit for COVID-19

TL;DR

This study examines physical activity levels one year after ICU admission for COVID-19 and finds that ICU stay duration and diabetes are linked to inactivity.

Contribution

The study identifies specific baseline predictors of physical inactivity following ICU admission for COVID-19.

Findings

25.7% and 22.1% of survivors reported being physically inactive at one year post-ICU.

Longer ICU stay and diabetes were predictors of physical inactivity.

ICU stay duration was a consistent predictor across both activity scales.

Abstract

While regular physical activity is associated to multiple health effects, a COVID-19 infection may affect the ability to be physically active, due to muscular, cardiac and pulmonary complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the physical activity level and to identify factors at baseline that are associated with being physically inactive at one year following intensive care unit (ICU) admission for COVID-19. The dependent variable, being physically inactive, was assessed using the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF). To identify any predictors, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 105 (57.7%) and 95 (52.2%) survivors responded to the two scales. Being physically inactive was self-reported by 25.7% and 22.1%, respectively. Using the Saltin-Grimby Physical Activity Level Scale, longer stay at the ICU [odds ratio 1.05 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.02–1.08)] and diabetes mellitus [3.92 (1.30-11.55)] were identified as predictors, while using the IPAQ-SF, longer stay at the ICU [odds ratio 1.04 (95% CI 1.01–1.07)] was the predictor for being physically inactive at one year following COVID-19.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-96775-0.

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