Canadian Study Reveals That Long COVID Continues to Cause Physical Impairments in Many Individuals

Medical News: Researchers Unveil New Insights into Long COVID and Its Physical Toll
A new study conducted by researchers from multiple institutions in Canada has shed light on the persistent physical impairments experienced by individuals suffering from Long COVID. The study involved experts from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Réactualisation and Social Integration, CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec City, the School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine at Université Laval, the Hospital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center in Montreal, and the School of Rehabilitation at Université de Montréal, among others. Their findings highlight the long-term consequences of COVID-19, emphasizing the need for ongoing medical intervention and support for affected individuals.


Canadian Study Reveals That Long COVID Continues to Cause Physical Impairments in Many Individuals

Long COVID, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, refers to the lingering symptoms experienced by individuals months after recovering from the initial infection. Despite recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19, many individuals continue to struggle with a range of symptoms, including fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction, and significant reductions in physical abilities. This Medical News report provides a closer look at the latest findings, revealing the extent of physical challenges faced by Long COVID patients.
 
Study Design and Participants
The study involved a total of 360 participants divided into three groups: the Long COVID group (LCG), the Short COVID group (SCG), and a control group (CG). Each group consisted of 120 individuals matched by age and sex. The LCG included individuals who continued to experience symptoms for more than 12 weeks post-infection, while the SCG consisted of those who had recovered from COVID-19 without long-term symptoms. The CG comprised individuals who had never tested positive for COVID-19.
 
The research team collected data using self-reported questionnaires and clinical physical assessments. Participants were evaluated for health-related quality of life (HRQoL), comorbidities, pain levels, sleep quality, fatigue, hand grip strength, and physical performance. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and the six-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to assess functional endurance and exertion levels. Additionally, participants wore fitness trackers for seven consecutive days to measure daily step counts and resting heart rates.
 
Key Findings on Physical Impairments
The study found that individuals with Long COVID displayed significantly lower physical capacities compared to the SCG and CG. Several critical impairments were identified:
 
-Fatigue: The most reported symptom among Long COVID participants, with 80% experiencing persistent exhaustion that affected their daily activities.
 
-Reduced Strength: The LCG showed weaker hand grip strength compared to both the SCG and CG, indicating long-term muscular weakness.
 
-Lower Physical Endurance: The SPPB and 6MWT results revealed that Long COVID individuals had reduced mobility and were unable to walk as far as the other groups within the six-minute timeframe.
 
-Higher Perceived Exertion: Participants in the LCG reported a greater level of perceived effort during physical tasks, suggesting ongoing difficulty in performing even moderate activities.
 
-Lower Step Counts: Those with Long COVID recorded significantly fewer daily steps compared to the other two groups, reinforcing the impact of persistent fatigue and physical limitations.
 
-Higher Comorbidities: Long COVID individuals had a greater prevalence of pre-existing conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders, which further contributed to their physical decline.
 
-Poor Sleep Quality: A notable portion of the LCG suffered from sleep disturbances, which in turn exacerbated fatigue and reduced overall recovery rates.
 
The Impact of Long COVID on Quality of Life
The study also demonstrated a strong correlation between physical impairments and reduced health-related quality of life. Participants with Long COVID reported experiencing more pain, lower mobility, and greater difficulty in completing daily tasks compared to the other groups. The research indicated that fatigue, pain, comorbidities, and reduced step counts were the main factors responsible for the diminished quality of life in these individuals.
 
Interestingly, the findings showed that even individuals who had been infected over 11 months prior to the study still exhibited significant physical limitations. The stability of these impairments suggests that Long COVID has a prolonged impact that does not necessarily improve over time without targeted interventions.
 
Possible Physiological Explanations
Researchers speculate that the physical impairments in Long COVID patients may be due to a combination of muscular dysfunction, persistent inflammation, and autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Previous studies have reported evidence of myopathy (muscle fiber abnormalities) in individuals with Long COVID, which could explain the ongoing muscle weakness and exercise intolerance. Additionally, disruptions in oxygen uptake and mitochondrial energy production may contribute to reduced endurance and heightened fatigue.
 
Another important aspect highlighted in the study is the autonomic dysfunction observed in Long COVID individuals. Many of the participants displayed signs of increased sympathetic nervous system activity and reduced parasympathetic tone, which can lead to exercise intolerance and cardiovascular instability.
 
What This Means for Long COVID Patients
The findings of this study underscore the need for comprehensive rehabilitation strategies to help individuals with Long COVID regain their physical functions. Experts recommend a multidisciplinary approach that includes:
 
-Targeted Physical Therapy: Strengthening exercises and gradual endurance training tailored to individual capabilities.
 
-Pain Management: Medications and alternative therapies to address chronic pain and discomfort.
 
-Fatigue Management Strategies: Energy conservation techniques and lifestyle modifications to reduce exhaustion.
 
-Cardiovascular Monitoring: Ongoing assessments to identify and manage potential heart-related complications.
 
-Nutritional Support: Addressing dietary deficiencies that may contribute to muscle weakness and poor energy levels.
 
Conclusion
This study confirms that Long COVID is associated with persistent physical impairments that significantly affect an individual’s overall well-being. The research highlights fatigue, reduced strength, lower endurance, higher perceived exertion, and increased comorbidities as key challenges faced by Long COVID individuals. These findings emphasize the necessity of long-term medical intervention and rehabilitation programs to support those affected.
 
For individuals struggling with Long COVID, understanding these physical limitations is crucial in developing effective strategies for recovery. With continued research and dedicated healthcare efforts, it may be possible to mitigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 and improve the quality of life for those affected.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Frontiers in Sports and Active Living.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2025.1511942/full
 
For the latest on Long COVID, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
 
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/long-covid-and-exercise-intolerance-unveiled-by-yale-researchers
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/insights-into-post-covid-microvascular-and-immunometabolic-changes-and-their-impact-on-physical-activity
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus