Physical activity and post-COVID symptoms: Findings from the EPICOVID 2.0 survey in Brazil.

Abstract

This study primarily aims to analyze changes in physical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and their association with post-COVID symptoms. We also examined associations between sociodemographic variables (sex, region, wealth quintile, education, age, and race/ethnicity) and physical activity. Using data from the 2024 Brazilian national survey EPICOVID 2.0, with 33,250 participants, we analyzed self-reported changes in physical activity during the pandemic. To test associations between four categories ("Never Practiced" as reference category, "Decreased", "Maintained", or "Increased") and 14 post-COVID symptoms, we used adjusted Logistic regression models. Establishing a threshold of p < 0.004, after Bonferroni correction. The "Maintained" physical activity group had a significantly lower proportion of tiredness, Odds Ratio [95 % CI] = 0.57[0.39, 0.83], and joint pain, OR [95 % CI] = 0.61 [0.44, 0.84]. Even though not statistically significant, the "Decreased" activity group showed higher odds of some post-COVID symptoms. Compared to the reference group, participants who maintained some level of physical activity during the pandemic have lower odds of presenting some post-COVID symptoms. Results highlight the importance of sustained engagement in physical activity and the need for targeted interventions to promote equitable access.