Effect of Two Years of COVID-19 Pandemic on Maximum Oxygen Uptake among Amateur Runners: A Prospective Study

Abstract

In this prospective study we compared the maximum oxygen uptake (V ̇O2 max), physical activity levels, and time spent on a sedentary lifestyle measured before the COVID-19 pandemic period (January 2020) with that measured two years after (January 2022). Thirty-four male runners (46.8 ± 11.7 years) answered a questionnaire that consisted of personal data, health conditions, and current level of physical activity. They participated in cardiopulmonary maximal exercise tests for V ̇O2 max assessment between January 2020 and January 2022. We observed a significant decrease (16.7 ± 7.3%) in V ̇O2 max in January 2022 compared to January 2020 (p<0.001, d=2.152). Despite no change in physical activity levels between the two evaluations (p=0.07, d=0.325) being recorded, there was a reduction in the time dedicated to performing vigorous-intensity activities (p=0.03, d=0.035), a significant increase in walking time (p=0.04, d= -0.42), and a significant increase in the weekly sitting time (p<0.001, d=0.77). The observed change in the physical activity pattern during the COVID-19 pandemic (increased sitting time and decreased vigorous activities) negatively impacted the functional capacity of the amateur runners, as shown by the V ̇O2 max assessment. Therefore there is a need to reduce sedentary behavior, such as sitting time throughout the day, in addition to the importance to increase the physical activity pattern.