Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) causes lung tissue inflammation, affects mental health, and disturbs sleep and the musculoskeletal system. This study aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on physical function and quality of life by comparing the body composition, physical fitness, sleep quality and quality of life between Thai young adults with and without post COVID-19 infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was comprised of two matched groups (post COVID-19 group and non COVID-19 group) with 36 participants in each group. Data about body composition, physical fitness, sleep quality and quality of life were collected using the bioelectrical impedance analysis, the 1-min sit-to-stand test, the hand grip strength test, the Pittsburgh sleep quality questionnaire and the EuroQol-5D-5L, respectively. Independent samples T-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test were used to compare between the two groups. Results: The changes in oxygen saturation and respiratory rate after the physical fitness test and the sleep quality analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the groups with and without post COVID-19 infection (p = 0.006, p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). However, quality of life and body composition were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions: COVID-19 influenced the changes in oxygen saturation and respiratory rate after the physical fitness test and the sleep quality analysis in young adults. The results should be utilized to facilitate physical rehabilitation for COVID-19-infected individuals following infection. Those who have not been infected with COVID-19 must be informed of self-protection measures to avoid contracting the virus.
Objectives: A proper function of hands is critical for doing daily activities and work, especially when using electronic devices. This study determined the effect of mirror therapy on individuals with asymmetrical hand function. Methods: Forty-two men with asymmetrical hand function were recruited. All participants were randomly divided into sham control (n=21) ...
Undergraduate students often engage in nighttime activities and electronic device usage that may adversely affect sleep quality and academic performance; therefore, factors associated with sleep quality are important. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality in undergraduate students. Four hundred and five undergraduate students participated in a cross-sectional study and had no history of psychological disorders or use of medications affecting sleep. Data was collected using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire, electronic device usage questionnaire and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21). Multivariate logistic regression was employed to analyze the factors associated with poor sleep quality. Among the undergraduate students in this study, 65.93% reported having poor sleep quality. The factors associated with poor sleep quality were stress (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01–1.06) and musculoskeletal discomfort (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.23–2.99) after controlling for other variables. Undergraduate students frequently experience poor sleep quality, with stress and musculoskeletal discomfort being major contributors. These findings highlight the importance of mental health support and stress management programs in improving sleep quality and overall well-being, as well as in preventing long-term detrimental consequences for undergraduate students’ mental health, physical health and academic performance.