For many people who have recovered from mild to severe covid-19 symptoms it is a real concern as to the safety and timelines when returning to physical activity can be done. Many people have tried to return to their baseline exercises and found that they were unable to do so which has caused worrying concern as to when one will return to normal! There has been plenty research conducted around this subject and what is the safest approach to prevent and further and long-term complications post covid-19. Through a combination of sports medicine, rehabilitation, and primary care they have come up with a multidisciplinary approach as to how to get back into the swing of things.
The understanding of a person’s recovery Post covid-19 is extremely limited. Yet there are several risk factors which have arisen and if not taken seriously these complications have a high mortality rate. These risks factors which have been found can be seen below:
Cardiac complications such as Myocarditis
• Performing exercise in the presence of myocarditis leads to increased morbidity and mortality.
Thromboembolic complications such as pulmonary emboli
• It is suggested there is a persistent impairment in pulmonary function in survivors.
Primary psychiatric phenomena such as psychosis
• Psychological sequelae after infection can include post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Given the seriousness of some of these risk factors it is advised that a pragmatic approach be taken with a gradual return to activity while mitigating risk factors. There is no perfect solution, and everyone is affected differently. Yet taking into consideration these risk factors it is highly advised by sports medical practitioners as well as primary health care workers that you follow a phased return to activity.
See infographic below of the steps to take before returning to activity and then even while taking part in activity it is advised to follow the phased return seriously and listen to your body.
Steps:
It is advised that as a health care practitioner you risk stratify each patient before giving consent for return to activity. Patients with ongoing symptoms or who had severe covid-19 or a history suggestive of cardiac involvement need further clinical assessment and may be required to be monitored during their return to activity for their own personal safety.
There is no clear scientific approach as to how one should return to exercise. It is highly recommended that you follow a sensible approach that should be gradual, individualized and based on subjective tolerance of the activity.
Only return to exercise after at least seven days free of symptoms and begin with at least two weeks of minimal exertion.
Use daily self-monitoring to track progress, including when to seek further help should you feel the need arise.
