Original Research Protracted exercise tolerance post-coronavirus disease 2019 in endurance athletes: A survey

Cheryl A. Haley, Heleen van Aswegen, Elena Libhaber, Benita Olivier

South African Journal of Physiotherapy | Vol 80, No 1 | a2063 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajp.v80i1.2063 | © 2024 Cheryl A. Haley, Heleen van Aswegen, Elena Libhaber, Benita Olivier | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 27 March 2024 | Published: 14 August 2024

About the author(s) Cheryl A. Haley, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Heleen van Aswegen, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Elena Libhaber, Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Benita Olivier, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic irrevocably influenced our lives, yet research in a diversity of countries is lacking. Cardiorespiratory fitness may be impaired for up to a year post-COVID-19 infection.

Objectives: Our study aimed to compare acute and exertional symptoms, fatigue, and exercise performance in masters-age endurance athletes according to their return-to-sport status.

Method: A cross-sectional survey-based observational study of long-distance runners and cyclists was conducted. Data were stratified into two groups: those who returned to their pre-illness level of sport and those who did not and were compared statistically.

Results: A total of 308 survey responses were included in the analysis. The mean age of the athletes was 44.9 + 10.2 years, with 55.2% being male. The group that did not return to their pre-illness level of sport (31.5%) had more post-COVID sequelae, worse illness severity, with a higher frequency of resting and exertional symptoms, notably fatigue and dyspnoea. Decreased exercise capacity was correlated with increased physical fatigue scores.

Conclusion: Almost one-third of endurance athletes suffered protracted exercise tolerance post-COVID-19. Long-term symptoms may be more consequential in this athlete population.

Clinical Implications: Symptoms that may indicate cardiopulmonary consequences in recreational athletes should be investigated in order to facilitate return to sport and the important mental and physical benefits thereof. This will augment outcomes after respiratory tract infections and management of return to sport and expectations of endurance athletes.

Keywords

COVID-19; endurance athletes; return to sport; exercise capacity; fatigue

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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