Understanding of strategies to support individuals recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is limited. ‘Long COVID’ is a multisystem disease characterised by a range of respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal symptoms extending beyond 12 weeks. The aim of this study was to explore individuals’ experiences of recovering from COVID-19 to provide a better understanding of the acute and long-term impact of the disease on physical activity (PA). Individualised semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 adults recovering from COVID-19 at 6–11 months post-infection. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used, reaching saturation at 14 interviews (10 female; 47 ± 7 years). Four overarching themes were identified: (i) Living with COVID-19, including managing activities of daily living; (ii) Dealing with the Unknown and self-management strategies; (iii) Re-introducing physical activity; and (iv) Challenges of returning to work. The return to PA, whether through activities of daily living, work or exercise, is often associated with the exacerbation of symptoms, presenting a range of challenges for individuals recovering from COVID-19. Individually tailored support is therefore required to address the unique challenges posed by COVID-19.
【저자키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, exercise, rehabilitation, Long COVID, 【초록키워드】 COVID-19, coronavirus disease, physical activity, Symptoms, activity, challenge, understanding, Self-management, disease, neurological, Support, Post-infection, thematic analysis, individual, daily living, approach, physical, was used, the disease, required, conducted, unique, presenting, musculoskeletal symptom, recovering from COVID-19, Unknown, with COVID-19, 【제목키워드】 COVID-19, activity, Impact, experience, individual, shadow, Level,