Returning to Activity After COVID-19 Infection
Exercising after a Covid-19 diagnosis can be a difficult transition. Emerging data and expert recommendations are providing on safe return to exercise. Above is an infographic created in the British Journal of Sports Medicine describing a graduated return to play requiring a minimum of 17 days.
Individuals, under the age of 50 and had either an asymptomatic infection or had mild respiratory symptoms that resolve within seven days are considered a low risk population. This low risk grow can generally follow a gradual return to play without further evaluation. Those with symptoms lasting greater than seven days, or experience shortness of breath or chest discomfort are considered intermediate risk. These individuals should be evaluated by their physician. Those that experiences a hospitalization are considered high risk and should be monitored by their physician.
Published by BMJ. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ This is an open access article distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.
COVID-19 (amssm.org)
Gradual return to exercise for low risk patients should start with a ten day rest after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Initial physical activity should consist of light exercise for 15 minutes. If post-COVID energy levels are achieved, activity time duration can be increased, followed by resumption of bodyweight exercise, such as yoga or resistance training with sufficient rest. This should last for 2 weeks (minimal exertion) before resuming their sport. Increases in volume and load should be gradual. Any concerns or red flags should be brought up to your physician.
Around 10% of people infected with COVID-19 will have problems that linger for months after the infection is gone. These individuals are called long-haulers, and the condition is known as “Long COVID”. If you have symptoms of Long COVID, contact your primary care doctor before starting an exercise program. Long COVID may include other health complications that require labs, tests, or imaging, before being referred to a physical therapist for an evaluation and treatment specific to your condition. Exercise may not be appropriate for everyone living with Long COVID.
Exercise may be the last thing on your mind, but it is key to regaining your fitness. Regular physical activity benefits your physical, mental, and social health. It's important for COVID-19 survivors (after their initial recovery) to get moving. Physical activity helps to improve:
● Strength
● Endurance
● Breathing capacity
Another smart thing to remember is to go slow and realize you are recovering from an illness and your body will need time. If you are concerned about how you're progressing, please contact your doctor.
STOP exercise immediately if you get chest pain, palpitations, exhaustion, or dizziness/lightheadedness. Contact a physician promptly if these symptoms persist.
Reference:
Singh I, Joseph P, Heerdt PM, Cullinan M, Lutchmansingh DD, Gulati M, Possick JD, Systrom DM, Waxman AB. Persistent Exertional Intolerance After COVID-19: Insights From Invasive Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. Chest. 2022 Jan;161(1):54-63. doi: 10.1016/j.chest.2021.08.010. Epub 2021 Aug 11. PMID: 34389297; PMCID: PMC8354807.