Compared with the lowest level of self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness, the ability to maintain a brisk walk significantly decreased the odds of hospitalization from COVID-19 by 64% (OR 0.36).
Cross-Sectional (n=263)
Does higher self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness reduce the odds of hospitalization from COVID-19 in adults previously infected with SARS-CoV-2?
Higher self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness, even at moderate levels such as the ability to maintain a brisk walk, is associated with significantly reduced odds of hospitalization from COVID-19.
Odds Ratio: 0.36 (95% CI 0.13–0.98)
p-value: p=0.04
BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity and higher cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness enhance immune function, possibly reducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection severity. The aim was to assess the association between physical activity and self-reported CR fitness on COVID-19 infection characteristics. METHODS: Participants formerly testing positive for COVID-19 completed an online questionnaire measuring COVID-19 infection characteristics and complications, self-reported CR fitness level, physical activity, and sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Self-reported CR fitness was determined as the pace to cover 4.8 km without becoming overly fatigued (with slow walking, brisk walking, jogging, and running corresponding to low, moderate, good, and excellent levels of fitness, respectively). RESULTS: A total of 263 individuals completed the survey. Compared with the lowest level of self-reported CR fitness, the odds of hospitalization significantly decreased by 64% (odds ratio = 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.98; P = .04) in individuals reporting the ability to maintain a brisk walk. In individuals reporting the ability to maintain a jogging pace, the further reduction in hospitalization was not significant (odds ratio = 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-1.04; P = .05). For COVID-19 symptom severity and number, there were no significant associations with self-reported CR fitness or physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: For individuals with low self-reported CR fitness, improving CR fitness represents a strategy to reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19.
Brandenburg et al. (Thu,) conducted a cross-sectional in COVID-19 (n=263). Higher self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness (brisk walking pace) vs. Lowest level of self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness (slow walking pace) was evaluated on Hospitalization from COVID-19 (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-0.98, p=0.04). Compared with the lowest level of self-reported cardiorespiratory fitness, the ability to maintain a brisk walk significantly decreased the odds of hospitalization from COVID-19 by 64% (OR 0.36).