Physical Activity and Mental Health of Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Dobler, Carolin Leoni; Krüger, Britta; Strahler, Jana; Weyh, Christopher; Gebhardt, Kristina; Tello, Khodr; Ghofrani, Hossein Ardeschir; Sommer, Natascha; Gall, Henning; Richter, Manuel Jonas; Krüger, Karsten

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of personal restrictions on physical activity, mental health, stress experience, resilience, and sleep quality in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) during the “lockdown” period of the COVID-19 pandemic. In total, 112 PH patients and 52 age-matched healthy control subjects completed a questionnaire on the topics of physical activity, mental health, resilience, and sleep quality. PH patients had significantly lower physical activity, mental health, and sleep quality compared to age-matched healthy controls. Physical activity positively correlated with mental health and sleep quality in the PH group. Mental wellbeing and life satisfaction could be predicted by total physical activity, sleep, stress level, and resilience. PH patients appeared as an especially vulnerable group, demanding interventions to promote an active lifestyle and protect mental health in these patients. This could be helpful in counseling on how to carry out physical activity while maintaining infection control.