Resumption of Physical Activity After COVID 19 Infection

How soon can we start exercising again after contracting COVID 19 must be a common patient’s concern. Even after one has recovered, the inflammation may continue to cause symptoms including dyspnoea, coughing, and sputum production.

The goal of medical management is to optimize function and quality of life during the period of symptoms as the patient gradually recovers. Many people find it takes a while to recover exercise capacity, even if all the investigations prove to be normal.

Jordan D. Metzl and colleagues make few suggestions on how to resume participation following COVID 19. He recommended that exercise should not resume if a patient with COVID-19 has persistent fever, dyspnoea at rest, cough, chest pain, or palpitations. Any COVID-19 patient with an underlying cardiovascular or pulmonary condition should consult a physician prior to resumption of exercise, even if asymptomatic. An otherwise healthy patient with a self-limited course of COVID-19 who has been asymptomatic for 7 days may begin resuming physical activity at 50% of normal intensity and volume. If that goes well, then gradually increase to 30 percent reduction, then a 20 percent reduction, and then a 10 percent reduction.

Consultation with a physician is recommended if patients who have had COVID-19 develop chest pain, fever, palpitations, or dyspnoea on the resumption of exercise.

You will have to monitor your progress closely and pay attention to your symptoms when you work out. Listen to your body. You may also get your Health Check in Singapore with Healthsprings at our various clinics – GP Clinic Orchard, Bukit Panjang Clinic or Woodleigh Clinic / Woodleigh Family Clinic.