Long Covid and the role of physical activity: a qualitative study

Humphreys, H.; Kilby, L.; Kudiersky, N.; Copeland, R.

ABSTRACT Objectives To explore the lived experience of Long Covid with particular focus on the role of physical activity Design Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews Participants 18 people living with Long Covid (9 male, 9 female; aged between 18-74; 10 White British, 3 White Other, 3 Asian, 1 Black, 1 mixed ethnicity) recruited via a UK-based research interest database for people with Long Covid Setting Telephone interviews with 17 participants living across the UK and 1 participant living in the US Results Four themes were generated. Theme one highlights the physical and social isolation experienced by people with Long Covid, compounded by a lack of support and advice from medical professionals. Theme two describes how participants sought information and validation through online sources and communities. Theme three captures the challenges associated with managing physical and cognitive effects of Long Covid including fatigue and brain fog whilst trying to resume and maintain activities of daily living and other forms of exercise. Theme four illustrates the battle with self-concept to accept reduced function (even temporarily) and the fear of permanent reduction in physical and cognitive ability. Conclusions This study provides insight into the challenges of managing physical activity alongside the extended symptoms associated with Long Covid. Findings highlight the need for greater consensus around physical activity-related advice for people with Long Covid and improved support to resume activities considered important for wellbeing.