51. Sex-specific differences of cardiopulmonary fitness and pulmonary function in exercise-based rehabilitation of patients with long-term post-COVID-19 syndrome
- Author
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René Garbsch, Hendrik Schäfer, Mona Kotewitsch, Johanna M. Mooren, Melina Waranski, Marc Teschler, Katalin Vereckei, Gereon Böll, Frank C. Mooren, and Boris Schmitz
- Subjects
SARS-CoV-2 ,Long-COVID ,Exercise-based rehabilitation ,Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ,Fatigue ,Medicine - Abstract
Abstract Background Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) entails a spectrum of symptoms, including fatigue, reduced physical performance, dyspnea, cognitive impairment, and psychological distress. Given the effectiveness of exercise-based rehabilitation for PCS, this study examined the efficacy of rehabilitation for PCS patients, focusing on sex-specific differences. Methods Prospective cohort study during inpatient rehabilitation. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and spirometry were performed at admission and discharge. Questionnaires were used to assess fatigue, health-related quality of life, wellbeing, and workability for up to 6 months. Results 145 patients (36% female, 47.1 ± 12.7 years; 64% male, 52.0 ± 9.1 years; p = 0.018) were referred to rehabilitation 262.0 ± 128.8 days after infection (female, 285.5 ± 140.6 days; male, 248.8 ± 112.0 days; p = 0.110). Lead symptoms included fatigue/exercise intolerance (81.4%), shortness of breath (74.5%), and cognitive dysfunction (52.4%). Women presented with higher relative baseline exercise capacity (82.0 ± 14.3%) than males (68.8 ± 13.3%, p
- Published
- 2024
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