Affiliation:
1. Department of Health and Functioning Western Norway University of Applied Sciences Bergen Norway
2. Helse i Hardanger Øystese Norway
3. Division of Psychiatry Haukeland University Hospital Bergen Norway
4. Department of Clinical Psychology University of Bergen Bergen Norway
5. Department of Medicine Haukeland University Hospital Bergen Norway
6. Department of Clinical Science University of Bergen Bergen Norway
7. Department of Thoracic Medicine Haukeland University Hospital Bergen Norway
Abstract
AbstractLong COVID is a global health problem that impairs patients' functional status. More than 200 reported symptoms have been identified where fatigue, dyspnea, and exercise impairment are most common. This study aimed to describe exercise capacity, fatigue, dyspnea, and lung function in previously non‐hospitalized patients with long COVID, and examine the relationship between exercise capacity and fatigue, dyspnea, and lung function. Sixty‐five patients, 54 women (83%), mean age of 39 standard deviation (12) years, were included and completed spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise test, stair climbing test (SCT), 30 second sit‐to‐stand test (30STST), and questionnaires regarding fatigue and dyspnea. Fatigue was reported by 95% of the participants, whereas 65% reported severe fatigue, and 66% reported dyspnea. Mean exercise capacity measured with peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak% pred.) was ≥85% in 65% of the participants. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s. and forced vital capacity were 96.6 (10.7)% and 100.8 (10.9)%, respectively, while reduced diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was found in eight participants (13%). Reduced V̇O2peak kg−1and increased time on SCT were significantly associated with increased dyspnea and reduced DLCObut not with fatigue, while 30STST was associated with increased fatigue and dyspnea in previously non‐hospitalized patients with long COVID.
Subject
Physiology (medical),Physiology