Young Adults Face Decline in Respiratory Function, Lower Muscle Performance and Poorer Physical Function After COVID-19 Exposure
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 08, 2025 20 hours, 15 minutes ago
Medical News: COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been one of the most significant global health crises of our time. Although many recover fully, an increasing number of studies highlight long-term health effects even in those who experienced mild or asymptomatic cases. These effects, collectively termed "long COVID," can affect multiple organ systems and significantly impact daily functionality.
Young Adults Face Decline in Respiratory Function, Lower Muscle Performance and
Poorer Physical Function After COVID-19 Exposure.
Researchers from several leading institutions, including Biruni University, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul Galata University, and Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa in Turkey, have embarked on a comprehensive study to investigate how COVID-19 impacts the respiratory and functional health of young adults over time. This
Medical News report sheds light on their findings, which reveal critical insights into the challenges faced by young adults recovering from this pandemic.
Key Objectives and Methods of the Study
The study focused on young adults aged 18–25 who either tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 3–6 months (Post-COVID Group 1) or 6–12 months (Post-COVID Group 2). A third group of healthy, age- and gender-matched individuals served as controls. By analyzing respiratory function, muscle performance, exercise capacity, and fatigue levels, the researchers aimed to uncover medium- and long-term sequelae of COVID-19.
Conducted in the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Division at Biruni University, the research followed rigorous ethical and scientific standards. Participants underwent detailed tests, including spirometry to evaluate lung capacity and performance tests like the six-minute walking test (6MWT) and the one-minute sit-to-stand test (1-MSTST). Fatigue and dyspnea (shortness of breath) were also assessed using standardized scales.
The researchers ensured that their analysis was comprehensive and accounted for confounding factors like smoking, body mass index, and pre-existing conditions.
Long COVID and the Respiratory System
One of the most significant findings of the study was the decline in respiratory function among young adults who had recovered from COVID-19. Even in asymptomatic or mildly affected individuals, the forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) - two critical measures of lung health - were significantly reduced compared to healthy peers.
This decline was more pronounced in individuals tested 6 - 12 months after recovering from COVID-19. The researchers attribute these changes to persistent inflammation and structural damage in the lungs, which can develop over time.
Interestingly, while measures like maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) showed a declining trend, the overall respiratory muscle strength remained relatively preserved compared to previous studies. This suggests that the long-term impact on respiratory musc
les may be less severe in young adults, although further research is warranted.
Physical Function and Muscle Performance
The physical capacity of participants, measured through tests like the 6MWT and 1-MSTST, also revealed concerning trends. Both Post-COVID groups showed significantly lower performance compared to the control group. For instance, the distance covered in the 6MWT was, on average, 45 meters less for individuals who had recovered from COVID-19.
Lower extremity muscle performance, as evaluated by the 1-MSTST, was also notably weaker in the Post-COVID Group 1. However, some improvement was observed in Group 2, suggesting a partial recovery over time.
The study found no significant differences in hand grip strength between the groups, highlighting that upper body muscle function may remain unaffected, even as lower extremity performance declines.
Fatigue and Dyspnea in Long COVID
Fatigue and dyspnea are hallmark symptoms of long COVID and were extensively studied in this research. Surprisingly, self-reported fatigue and breathlessness did not significantly differ between Post-COVID participants and the control group.
However, exercise-induced fatigue, particularly during the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test (ISWT), pointed to subtle but important differences. Blood lactate levels - a marker of muscle fatigue - were slightly elevated in Post-COVID Group 2, even though perceived dyspnea remained similar to that of the controls.
This subtle mismatch suggests that while patients may not feel more fatigued or short of breath, underlying physiological changes, particularly in muscle performance and circulation, may still exist.
Implications for Young Adults and Society
Young adults represent a critical demographic for societal growth and economic productivity. The findings of this study underscore the importance of monitoring even mild COVID-19 cases in this age group.
Respiratory and functional deficits, if left unaddressed, could hinder the long-term well-being and productivity of affected individuals. Early identification and intervention, including physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs, are essential to mitigate these effects.
Conclusions of the Study
The researchers concluded that the effects of COVID-19 on young adults are far from negligible. Medium-term deficits in respiratory and physical function can persist for months after recovery, with some worsening over time. These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and support for young adults, even those who experienced mild or asymptomatic infections.
The study offers a new perspective on how long COVID manifests in a population often perceived as low-risk. It emphasizes the importance of addressing these challenges proactively to prevent long-term complications and support overall societal recovery.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Medicina.
https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/61/1/86
For the latest Long COVID News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/45-3-percent-of-adolescents-after-340-days-still-have-persistent-long-covid-19-symptoms-that-are-different-from-adults
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/long-covid-and-exercise-intolerance-unveiled-by-yale-researchers
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
Share
Tweet
Share
