Introduction or background

The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the physical activity (PA) level of especially patients with chronic lung diseases. In addition to social isolation and restriction of activities, higher perception of dyspnea may have affected the PA level of patients with chronic lung disease.

Aims and objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dyspnea and PA level in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Twenty five patients (13F, 12M, mean age: 26.4±6.6 years) were included. PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form -IPAQ-SF and step counts for the last week- with smart phone application) and dyspnea perception (modified Medical Research Council scale-mMRC and modified Borg scale) were evaluated.

Results

IPAQ-SF total score was 693.00(297.00-1399.50) M(IQR25-75) MET-min/week, step counts was 3487.40±3119.78 (mean±SD) steps/week and mMRC level was 1.00(.00-2.00) M(IQR25-75) in CF patients. The mMRC dyspnea score was correlated with the IPAQ-SF total score and step counts for the last week (r=-0.609, p=0.001; r=-0.658, p<0.001) during COVID-19 pandemic. Modified Borg perceived dyspnea scores at rest and during activity were not associated with PA level (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The mMRC scale may be an indicator of PA level in adult patients with CF during the COVID-19 pandemic. This findings suggest that the management strategies to reduce shortness of breath and increase the PA level in adult cystic fibrosis patients during and after pandemic period may become more important.