Long-term physical capacity following COVID-19: A prospective, three-year study

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) presents a wide spectrum of illness, from asymptomatic to severe.
• Long-term effects on physical capacity and respiratory health are known for severe cases, but outcomes for mild COVID-19 are less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the long-term recovery of physical capacity and breathlessness in individuals after SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection.
• To compare outcomes between hospitalised and non-hospitalised individuals.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study (CoVUm-study) of 291 individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Assessments included lung function (3-6 months post-infection) and physical capacity/breathlessness (up to 3 years post-infection).
• Evaluations used the one-minute sit-to-stand test and the modified Medical Research Council scale.

Main Results:

• Physical capacity improved up to two years post-infection, then plateaued.
• Hospitalisation and impaired diffusing capacity were linked to reduced physical capacity and increased breathlessness.
• Hospitalised individuals showed plateaued improvement by six months, while non-hospitalised saw improvement for up to two years.

Conclusions:

• Hospitalisation and impaired diffusing capacity are key predictors of reduced physical capacity and persistent breathlessness up to three years post-COVID-19.
• Non-hospitalised individuals also experience long-term physical capacity deficits.
• Targeted rehabilitation strategies are necessary for post-COVID-19 recovery.