Cardiorespiratory conditioning assessment after COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiorespiratory fitness is defined as the ability of the circulatory and respiratory systems to supply energy during prolonged or no prolonged physical activity, and to eliminate fatigue products after energy supply. Objective: This study evaluated cardiorespiratory conditioning after COVID-19 infection. Methods and Results: The research was developed with 127 women, with a mean age of 27.54 years (standard deviation = 8.16), ranging from 18 to 59 years, who have confirmed COVID-19 infection, are recovered, have no severe functional impairment, are asymptomatic, and who agreed to participate in the questionnaires and evaluative tests proposed in this study. Regarding the time since infection, the following distribution was observed: 35.4% (n = 45) with 12 weeks to 1 year, 33.1% (n = 42) with 1 year and 6 months, and 31.5% (n = 40) with more than 2 years. Recent infection with COVID-19 was proven by the results of IGG and IGM tests, rapid test, and Swab. In the functional evaluation, all socio-demographic information of the participants was collected, and the cardiorespiratory system evaluation tests were performed through peak expiratory flow (Peak Flow), six-minute walk test and Borg modified exertion scale. The results pointed out that after two years of the acute phase of COVID-19, women who had the infection have sequelae in the lungs and in other systems. In addition to changes in lung values, they also experience changes in vital signs and symptoms that affect their quality of life, such as shortness of breath, hair loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that COVID-19 is a syndrome that impacts several systems differently.