Reduced muscle strength in patients with long-COVID-19 syndrome is mediated by limb muscle mass

Abstract

The causes of post-COVID-19 syndrome are uncertain. Limb muscle wasting common to patients with COVID-19 limits daily activities and exercise. In this cross-sectional study, we found that patients with long-COVID-19 syndrome had significantly lower absolute and relative muscle strength measurements than control participants. Interestingly, we identified that these relationships were mostly mediated by limb muscle mass. Our data thus suggest that the evident reduced upper and lower muscle mass is a putative cause of—or contributor to—the functional limitation of patients with long-COVID-19 syndrome.