Physical Activity in Long COVID: A Comparative Study of Exercise Rehabilitation Benefits in Patients with Long COVID, Coronary Artery Disease and Fibromyalgia.
Claire ColasYann Le BerreMarie FangetAngélique SavallMartin KillianIvan GoujonPierre LabeixManon BayleLéonard FéassonFrédéric RocheDavid HupinPublished in: International journal of environmental research and public health (2023)
Exercise in long COVID is poorly studied. Nevertheless, exerciserehabilitation could improve cardiorespiratory, muscular and autonomic functions. We aimed to investigate improvement in physical and autonomic performances of long COVID patients ( n = 38) after a 4-week exercise rehabilitation program (3 sessions/week) compared to two control groups composed of coronary artery disease ( n = 38) and fibromyalgia patients ( n = 38), two populations for whom exercise benefits are well known. Efficacy of exercise training was assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, a handgrip force test, and a supine heart rate variability recording at rest before and after the rehabilitation program. Cardiorespiratory and muscular parameters were enhanced after exercise rehabilitation in the three groups ( p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed for the autonomic variables. Through this comparative study with control groups, we confirm and reinforce the interest of caring for long COVID patients without post-exertional symptom exacerbation by exercise rehabilitation of both strength and endurance training, by personalizing the program to the patient and symptoms.
Keyphrases
- high intensity
- physical activity
- heart rate variability
- resistance training
- sars cov
- coronary artery disease
- coronavirus disease
- heart rate
- body composition
- end stage renal disease
- skeletal muscle
- quality improvement
- chronic kidney disease
- body mass index
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- newly diagnosed
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- heart failure
- cardiovascular disease
- peritoneal dialysis
- cardiovascular events
- atrial fibrillation
- heat stress
- virtual reality
- depressive symptoms
- respiratory failure