Effect of Combined Exercise Training Physical and Functional Capacity in Post-Covid Patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supervised moderate combined exercise training in patients with post-COVID in the physical and functional capacity. Forty-one patients completed 6-week combined moderate exercise training. In baseline and after intervention, patients were assessments of screening, including clinical data and anthropometrics performed functional tests, which consisted of handgrip strength test, chair sit and reach test, arm curl test, 30-sec sit to stand test, timed up and go, and six-minute walk test (6MWT). Primary outcomes were results of functional tests, and secondary outcomes were clinical data. Handgrip strength (p < 0.001), flexibility (p = 0.01), strength of upper (p = 0.01) and lower limbs (p < 0.001), gait speed (p < 0.001) and 6MWT (p < 0.001) improved after rehabilitation. Resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were lower after intervention (p = 0.01; p = 0.05; p = 0.03, respectively). No one difference was observed in persistent symptoms (p > 0.05). In conclusion, exercise training promoted great physical, functional and cardiovascular benefits for post-COVID patients.