Lifestyle factors during acute Epstein-Barr virus infection in adolescents predict physical activity six months later

Abstract

Aim: Acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is a trigger of prolonged fatigue. This study investigated baseline predictors of physical activity six months after an acute EBV infection.

Methods: A total of 200 adolescents (12-20 years old) with acute EBV infection were assessed for 149 possible baseline predictors and followed prospectively. In this exploratory study, we performed linear regression analysis to assess possible associations between baseline predictors and steps per day at six months.

Results: In the final multiple linear regression model, physical activity six months after acute EBV infection was significantly and independently predicted by baseline physical activity (steps per day), substance use (alcohol and illicit drugs) and human growth hormone (adjusted R² = 0.20).

Conclusion: Baseline physical activity, substance use and plasma growth hormone are independent predictors of physical activity six months after an acute EBV infection in adolescents, whereas markers of the infection and associated immune response do not seem to be associated with physical activity six months later.

Keywords: Adolescents; Chronic fatigue; Epstein-Barr virus infection; Physical activity.