Effects of physical exercise on cardiovascular sequels caused by SARS-CoV-2: a case study

Abstract

Introduction: the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global health, resulting in many patients experiencing post-infection sequelae such as cardiovascular issues and hemodynamic alterations. These conditions are commonly reported in cases known as "Long Covid". The use of physical exercise (PE) as part of rehabilitation has shown promise in alleviating persistent symptoms following infection. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic role of exercise on hypertension and physical fitness as a post-infection sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Method: this is a case study conducted with a 52-year-old patient referred by the Health Department to continue treatment with PE. The patient underwent clinical anamnesis, reporting post-SARS-CoV-2 sequelae including chronic fatigue and hypertension, and a physical evaluation including anthropometric measurements (body mass, height, waist circumference-WC), motor tests (abdominals, 6-minute walk test), and vital capacity (spirometry). Subsequently, the patient was individually monitored for 90 days in a PE program following the scientific evidence of the American College Sports Medicine, conducted twice a week, with a duration of 60 minutes per session. The program included aerobic activities and resistance training as the main part of the treatment. Results: following program completion, the patient reported improved disposition (increased endurance), and increases were observed in the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test (5%) and in vital capacity (3%). Additionally, there was a reduction in body mass (3%), WC (3%), and normalization of blood pressure. Conclusion: these results indicate that the exercise program, conducted twice a week for 90 days, demonstrated effectiveness both qualitatively (patient perception) and quantitatively (improvement in performance and reduction in blood pressure measures) in an individual with cardiovascular sequelae post-Covid-19.