Personalized exercise improves symptoms in patients with persistent Covid, according to a Navarrabiomed study.

Navarrabiomed Exercise, Health and Quality of Life (E-FIT) Research Group, The Center for Biomedical Research of the Government of Navarra and the Public University of Navarra (UPNA) published in scientific journal “European Journal of Cardiology” results of a test called EXER-COVIDwhich shows how an individualized exercise program can significantly improve both the physical and mental well-being of patients with persistent COVID-19. This post-viral syndrome is characterized by persistent fatigue, shortness of breath (shortness of breath) and cognitive problems. Although treatment options for people with long-term COVID-19 are limited, this study examines the potential of a planned and organized physical activity program as a non-pharmacological intervention.

The study focused on 89 people (59 women and 30 men) who experienced persistent symptoms after overcoming the primary COVID-19 infection. For six weeks, these people followed a progressive training program that combined muscle strength exercises and high-intensity exercise on a stationary bike.

BETTER PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND LESS PSYCHOLOGICAL DISCOMFORT

The results showed significant improvements in maximal oxygen uptake, a key measure of cardiorespiratory fitness, as well as muscle strength. In addition, there were marked reductions in symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue, as well as improvements in mental health-related quality of life, including reductions in depression and psychological distress.

In addition, participants reported noticeable improvements in emotional well-being and executive function. This information is especially important given that people with long-term COVID-19 often suffer from neuropsychological symptoms such as attention deficit and memory loss.

CUSTOMIZE THE EXERCISE FOR EACH PERSON

According to Mikel Izquierdo Redinprofessor of UPNA and head of the study together with prof. Robinson Ramirez Velez“These results suggest that exercise, tailored to each individual’s abilities and symptoms, can be an effective and safe tool to promote recovery in patients with long-term COVID-19.” However, he emphasizes the importance of customizing rehabilitation protocols to suit each patient’s individual condition.

“The study findings may help reformulate current rehabilitation recommendations, which are often too cautious regarding exercise in similar populations,” adds the researcher, for whom structured exercise may serve as a “safe, effective and efficient” intervention that is “low-cost.” improve recovery for people with long-term COVID-19.”

Experts from Internal Medicine Service of the University Hospital of Navarra (Hungary)Department of Nursing, University of Granada and Research Unit of Metabolic Diseases, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Salvador Zubiran (Mexico).

RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

In addition to the aforementioned Miquel Izquierdo and Robinson Ramirez, the Navarrabiomed research group includes Nora García Alonso, Yesenia García Alonso, Gaizka Legarra Gorgoñon and Sergio Oscoz Ochandorenatogether with J.Ulio Oteiza OlasoDoctor of the Hungarian Internal Medicine Service.

This work received funding under the EXER-COVID cross-sectional research project with the support of research projects of the State Programs for the Generation of Knowledge and Scientific and Technological Strengthening of the R&D System Aimed at Solving Problems of Society, within the framework of the State Development Plan Scientific and Technical Research and Innovation 2017- 2020.

The research team is confident that these results could influence future recommendations for the rehabilitation of patients with long-term COVID-19, offering “an accessible and inexpensive intervention that improves the physical and mental health of people suffering from this disease,” said Professor Mikel Izquierdo. indicates.