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‘I Live a Kind of Shadow Life’: Individual Experiences of COVID-19 Recovery and the Impact on Physical Activity Levels

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

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  • James Shelley
  • Joanne Hudson
  • Kelly A. Mackintosh
  • Zoe L. Saynor
  • Jamie Duckers
  • Keir E. Lewis
  • Gwyneth A. Davies
  • Ronan M. G. Berg
  • Melitta A. McNarry
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Article number11417
<mark>Journal publication date</mark>29/10/2021
<mark>Journal</mark>International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Issue number21
Volume18
Publication StatusPublished
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

Understanding of strategies to support individuals recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited. ‘Long COVID’ is a multisystem disease characterised by a range of respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal symptoms extending beyond 12 weeks. The aim of this study was to explore individuals’ experiences of recovering from COVID-19 to provide a better understanding of the acute and long-term impact of the disease on physical activity (PA). Individualised semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 adults recovering from COVID-19 at 6–11 months post-infection. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used, reaching saturation at 14 interviews (10 female; 47 ± 7 years). Four overarching themes were identified: (i) Living with COVID-19, including managing activities of daily living; (ii) Dealing with the Unknown and self-management strategies; (iii) Re-introducing physical activity; and (iv) Challenges of returning to work. The return to PA, whether through activities of daily living, work or exercise, is often associated with the exacerbation of symptoms, presenting a range of challenges for individuals recovering from COVID-19. Individually tailored support is therefore required to address the unique challenges posed by COVID-19.