Practical Recommendations Relevant to the Use of Resistance Training for COVID-19 Survivors

Abstract

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged at the end of 2019 and caused a global pandemic. The disease predominantly affects the respiratory system; however, there is evidence that it is a multisystem disease that also impacts the cardiovascular system. Although the long-term consequences of COVID-19 are not well-known, evidence from similar diseases alerts for the possibility of long-term impaired physical function and reduced quality of life, especially in those requiring critical care. Therefore, rehabilitation strategies are needed to improve outcomes in COVID-19 survivors. Among the possible strategies, resistance training (RT) might be particularly interesting, since it has been shown to increase functional capacity both in acute and chronic respiratory conditions and in cardiac patients. The present article aims to propose evidence-based and practical suggestions for RT prescription for people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 with a special focus on immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Based on the current literature, we present RT as a possible safe and feasible activity that can be time-efficient and easy to be implemented in different settings.

Pregnancy Activity Levels and Impediments in the Era of COVID-19 Based on the Health Belief Model: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Pregnant women with weak immune systems are advised to avoid public places as much as possible to minimize the risk of infection [ 3 ]. However, the current COVID-19 pandemic necessitates that these individuals engage in enough exercise to boost their resistance to the virus [ 36 ], presenting additional obstacles for pregnant women.…”

Functional and Psychological Changes after Exercise Training in Post-COVID-19 Patients Discharged from the Hospital: A PRISMA-Compliant Systematic Review

“…As exercise training leads to morphological adaptations (e.g., increased number of contractile proteins and mitochondria) [ 12 ], it can be considered as a potential strategy to be performed to counteract the deleterious effects of COVID-19 on muscle tissue [ 13 , 14 ]. Exercise may also modulate the immune system [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. It was recently revealed that the new COVID-19 strain (Omicron) was able to pose serious risks, and this marks the beginning of a new COVID-19 wave [ 19 ].…”

Multimodal Benefits of Exercise in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis and COVID-19

“…Survivors of acute viral respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 endure neuropsychological deficits and a poor quality of life (QOL) that can last for 1 year or more ( Yeo, 2020 ; Gentil et al, 2021 ). Patients can experience muscle weakness and atrophy, tendon, and neuromuscular impairments in intensive and long-term health care ( Gentil et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Survivors of acute viral respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 endure neuropsychological deficits and a poor quality of life (QOL) that can last for 1 year or more ( Yeo, 2020 ; Gentil et al, 2021 ). Patients can experience muscle weakness and atrophy, tendon, and neuromuscular impairments in intensive and long-term health care ( Gentil et al, 2021 ). Engaging in regular physical exercise prior to infection (and even early after infection) can reduce these complications ( Calverley et al, 2020 ; Hekmatikar et al, 2021 ) and also limit mental and physical stress ( Silverman and Deuster, 2014 ).…”