Long COVID is a condition where individuals experience prolonged symptoms, such as fatigue, breathlessness, and body aches, months after recovering from COVID-19. Recent research from the University of São Paulo highlights a significant link between these lingering symptoms and a sedentary lifestyle. The study found that COVID-19 survivors with one or more persistent symptoms were 57% more likely to lead a sedentary life; this likelihood increased to 138% for those reporting five or more symptoms. Conducted on 614 hospitalized patients, the research noted that 60% were categorized as physically inactive, exceeding typical inactivity rates in Brazil. Comorbidities like high blood pressure and diabetes were common among participants, many of whom had also required intensive care. The study suggests a potential bidirectional relationship, where physical inactivity may worsen long COVID symptoms and vice versa. Researchers emphasize that encouraging physical activity is vital, even during recovery from COVID-19, as inactivity is a known risk factor for various health issues. They call for further exploration of this association to understand its implications better, advocating for an active lifestyle as essential for public health.
