Fatigue and physical activity levels in Poles living in Poland and the United Kingdom in the futher year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a pilot study

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the prevalence of fatigue and level of physical activity, as well as the relationship between fatigue and physical activity among Poles living in Poland and the United Kingdom in the futher year in the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods A web-based online survey was conducted among Poles living permanently in Poland and the United Kingdom in January 2023. Responses were obtained from 200 respondents aged 18–69 years. The level of fatigue was assessed by the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). The level of physical activity was measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).Results The median for the total fatigue score was equal to 17 points out of a possible 105 which is a quite low level. 13.5% of the subjects had a low level of physical activity, 57% had a sufficient level and 29.5% had a high level. As the scores of the MFIS questionnaire scales and its summary score increased, the MET scores and the level of physical activity decreased. The respondents’ country of residence is not statistically significantly associated with activity level. Poles living in Poland had statistically significantly higher mean scores on the cognitive scale.Conclusions Further experimental studies on the physiological mechanism of differences in fatigue and physical activity are needed. In relation to the findings of our own research, physical activity interventions are recommended to address the unequal distribution of fatigue prevalence between people with high and low levels of physical activity.