Study: Resistance training can help improve long Covid symptoms

Chronic fatigue and lack of stamina are common symptoms among those suffering from long Covid. Researchers are now hopeful that a programme of resistance exercise can help. London (PA Media/dpa) – A programme of resistance exercise can help improve the physical and mental well-being of people with long Covid, new research suggests. The study involved 233 people who had developed long Covid after being diagnosed with Covid-19, either in hospital or a community healthcare setting. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two arms of the trial – one which included resistance training such as chest presses, lunges and squats, and one which did not. At the start of the study, researchers assessed each participant using a shuttle walk test and repeated it three months later. They found that after three months, those who had done resistance training were able to go notably further in the shuttle walk test than those who had received only standard healthcare. Researchers say the study, which was led by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, the University of Dundee and NHS Tayside in the UK, highlights the importance of manageable exercise after a serious Covid-19 infection. Professor Colin Berry, principal investigator of the study and professor of cardiology and imaging at the University of Glasgow, said: “Our study demonstrates the benefits of resistance training on Covid-19 recovery, and suggests that people affected by persisting symptoms after Covid-19 could benefit by adopting this kind of exercise. “Since 2020, research from our group and by others has shown that, for some people, long Covid can have a significant impact on their quality of life, including both mental and physical health. “Our results are another encouraging step forward, adding to our collective understanding of how to better treat this condition.” Long Covid is defined as happening when symptoms of Covid-19 last longer than 12 weeks, and can include fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog and joint pain. Those taking part in the study were given exercises tailored to their level of well-being. Participants who were bedbound were given movements such as lying chest presses, lying leg presses and bridging, while those able to sit up were given seated chest-presses and seated leg extensions. Those who were more mobile were assigned exercises such as press-ups, lunges, calf-raises and squats. The researchers also assessed the wider physical and mental health impacts of the resistance training. They found that participants who were on the exercise arm of the study had a higher grip strength after three months, while exercise also appeared to improve people’s quality of life with less anxiety and depression. Jesse Dawson, professor of stroke medicine at the University of Glasgow and director of research and innovation NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “It is exciting that this resistance training intervention, that could be widely implemented, improved physical measures and also anxiety and quality of life.” The latest research is part of the wider Cardiac Imaging in SARS Coronavirus disease study programme was funded in 2020 as part of the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office Rapid Research Response which aimed to increasing understanding about the pandemic. The research is published in JAMA Network. The following information is not intended for publication pa dpa coh

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