Exercise intervention for post-acute COVID-19 syndrome - do FITT-VP principles apply? A case study
G Torres1, N Rains2, P J Gradidge1
1Department of Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
South African Journal of Sports Medicine
|January 22, 2024
Summary
This case study shows exercise rehabilitation improved lung function, fitness, and daily life for a long COVID patient. Standardized reporting (CERT) and exercise principles (FITT-VP) are recommended for long COVID care.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Standardized reporting of exercise interventions is crucial for developing best practice guidelines for long COVID patients.
- The Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT) and FITT-VP principles are proposed for reporting and prescribing exercise for long COVID rehabilitation.
Observation:
- A 58-year-old male with severe COVID-19 history participated in an 8-week exercise rehabilitation program.
- Comprehensive assessments included medical history, anthropometrics, biomarkers, lung function, blood pressure, cardiorespiratory fitness, and strength.
Findings:
- Significant improvements were observed in all lung function measures.
- Cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, and muscle strength increased.
- Greatest improvements were noted in functional status, fatigue, dyspnoea, and depression levels.
Implications:
- The FITT-VP principles may serve as a framework for long COVID exercise prescription in the absence of specific guidelines.
- The CERT framework is recommended for reporting exercise interventions in long COVID research.
- Further research is needed to validate these approaches for long COVID rehabilitation.
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