A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that different types of exercise were not harmful for people diagnosed with long Covid, despite previous advice from the World Health Organization to avoid intense exercise. The study included 31 patients with long Covid who completed strength training, high-intensity interval training, and moderate-intensity continuous training over several weeks. Researchers observed that the participants did not worsen their symptoms or negatively affect their bodies during the monitored exercise sessions.
Patients with long Covid who opted for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) experienced more muscle pain than the control group, while moderate-intensity continuous training was associated with concentration problems and muscle inflammation. The researchers noted that individuals with long Covid had lower levels of fitness and muscle strength, likely due to the infection and lower activity levels. These findings suggest that prolonged symptoms and discouragement from exercising may have impacted their work capacity.
Long Covid is characterized by debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, headaches, and sleep problems, lasting for more than three months in some cases. The WHO estimates that 10% to 20% of people who have had Covid-19 are affected by long Covid. Despite concerns that physical exertion could worsen symptoms, the study found that participants with long Covid tolerated exercise sessions without significant symptom worsening or decline in aerobic performance after 48 hours.
The reluctance to incorporate exercise into rehabilitation programs for patients with long Covid is often due to concerns about postexertional malaise (PEM), where symptoms worsen after physical exertion. However, researchers stress the importance of physical activity for overall health, as physical inactivity can lead to functional impairment and increased risk of cardiometabolic disease. The study suggests that factors such as muscle atrophy, physical deconditioning, dysautonomia, and increased inflammation may contribute to exercise intolerance in individuals with long Covid.
To further investigate exercise tolerance in individuals with long Covid, researchers recruited study participants aged 18 to 64 years and closely monitored their exercise sessions, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure. The main finding of the study was that participants with long Covid generally tolerated all exercise sessions without significant symptom worsening or decline in aerobic performance after 48 hours. These findings suggest that exercise may not be harmful for individuals with long Covid and could potentially benefit their overall health and well-being.
