Korean J Sports Med.  2023 Sep;41(3):119-129. 10.5763/kjsm.2023.41.3.119.

The Emerging Role of Exercise and Optimal Exercise Prescription for Improving the Symptoms of Long COVID

• Choi TG
• Kim JY
• Kunutsor SK
• Jae SY

• KMID: 2545826
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2023.41.3.119

Abstract

Long COVID has emerged as a global medical challenge, characterized by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance following a coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection. The protracted nature of these symptoms necessitates the development of effective therapeutic approaches to alleviate the burden on individuals’ well-being and the healthcare system at large. While current pharmacological interventions offer limited efficacy, the exploration of alternative strategies becomes imperative. Exercise training has demonstrated promise in ameliorating long COVID symptoms, yet consensus regarding the optimal exercise modalities remains elusive. In light of this, the present review aims to elucidate the impact of exercise on long COVID symptoms and shed light on exercise prescriptions that have exhibited proven efficacy in the treatment and management of this syndrome.

Keyword

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome; Long COVID; Exercise; Rehabilitation

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Flow chart of literature search on exercise prescription and post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (long COVID) outcomes.

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  Fig. 2 Continuum post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (long COVID) and its associated persistent symptoms.

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  Fig. 3 Beneficial effects on exercise on improving post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (long COVID) symptoms and physical function. COVID-19: coronavirus disease 2019.

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