Exercise’s Role in COVID-19 Recovery

Study Overview

A recent study conducted by the National Institute for Health Research Leicester Biomedical Research Centre suggests that exercise may play a significant role in aiding recovery from COVID-19 and alleviating persistent respiratory symptoms associated with the virus. The researchers are optimistic that these findings will contribute to the development of effective rehabilitation programs for COVID-19 survivors.

Study Details

Published on May 6, 2021, the study involved 30 participants who were in the recovery phase following COVID-19 infection. Researchers monitored these individuals during exercise sessions held twice a week over a six-week period. The biweekly sessions included various forms of aerobic exercise, such as walking and treadmill-based activities, strength training for both upper and lower limbs, and educational materials aimed at managing post-infection symptoms.

Participant Criteria

Participants in the study experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, and breathlessness. They were referred to the study by their family physicians, during COVID-19 follow-ups, or through discharge programs. The study specifically included individuals whose symptoms significantly impacted their daily lives, while those with only non-respiratory symptoms, like loss of taste, were excluded.

Evaluation Metrics

To assess improvements, researchers compared initial and final symptom evaluations. Exercise capacity was gauged using both endurance and interval-based shuttle walking tests. Fatigue levels were determined through participant self-evaluations and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue Scale. Additionally, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) served as a measure of respiratory health.

Key Findings

Significant improvements were recorded in exercise capacity, fatigue, and breathlessness among participants. The mean scores for the interval-based and endurance-based shuttle walking tests increased by 112 minutes and 544 seconds, respectively. Participants also reported a mean improvement of five points on the Fatigue Scale and a three-point enhancement on the COPD Assessment Test.

Participant Background

Among the study participants, 87% had been hospitalized due to COVID-19, with an average hospital stay of 10 days. Additionally, 14% required mechanical ventilation during their treatment, and 4% had pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Conclusion and Implications

Researchers concluded that while the human body is capable of natural recovery from infection, the significant reduction in symptoms observed during the study is likely attributable to the exercise interventions. Given that the average time between infection and study enrollment was 125 days, it is improbable that natural healing alone accounted for the observed improvements.

The study emphasizes that exercise is a safe and effective strategy for COVID-19 recovery, with noted enhancements in breathlessness, exercise capacity, and fatigue. Notably, none of the participants withdrew from the program, nor did any experience worsened symptoms. Co-author Professor Sally Singh remarked, “the high completion rate suggests that patients found it to be an acceptable treatment.” Further research is needed to refine pulmonary rehabilitation techniques to better address the lingering symptoms of COVID-19.

References

Daynes, E. et al. (2021). Early experiences of rehabilitation for individuals post-COVID to improve fatigue, breathlessness exercise capacity and cognition – A cohort study. Chronic Respiratory Disease; 18: 14799731211015691. doi: 10.1177/14799731211015691.

Exercise can help support recovery of patients with lasting COVID symptoms, study finds. (2021). National Institute for Health Research News Release. American Association for the Advancement of Science. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-05/nifh-ech050721.php.

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