Effects of endurance training on individuals with post-COVID-19 symptoms: ISO-level comparison

Background COVID-19 is a widespread disease that causes acute symptoms like fever, cough, and joint pain. The disease leads to varying health conditions, and many patients struggle with long-term symptoms like fatigue, dyspnea, and anxiety. These symptoms can persist for long periods and affect activities of daily living. No specific treatment exists for this patient group. It is well established that exercise training has beneficial effects on a number of diseases, and this study examines whether it has the same beneficial effects on the COVID-19 disease. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-week rehabilitation with a focus on exercise training on individuals with persistent, long-term COVID-19 symptoms. Objectives were to assess whether V̇O2peak, breathing pattern and other parameters improved after the training, both in the group as a whole and in groups with specific symptoms. Methods Participants were assigned to different treatment groups according to their main symptom: fatigue, dyspnea, or mental distress. All participants underwent a pulmonary function test and a cardiopulmonary exercise test before and after the training. Data from the tests were then assessed. A V̇O2peak ISO- level comparison and 75% V̇O2peak ISO-level comparison were implemented. Results A significant difference was found in all measured parameters of the cardiopulmonary exercise test within groups, except for breathing frequency. V̇E, VT, and f improved significantly in the ISO-V̇O2 comparison. The 75% ISO-V̇O2 comparison showed a significant difference in V̇CO2, V̇E, and f. Conclusion A 6-week rehabilitation program with a focus on exercise training has a beneficial effect on individuals with long-term COVID-19 symptoms. The results indicate that training improves exercise capacity, metabolism, and breathing efficiency, which leads to less fatigue and dyspnea – offering hope for a better quality of life