Effect of combined training on the cardiorespiratory, muscle system and body composition in employees at a tertiary hospital after mild to moderate intensity COVID 19

Abstract

Objective

To verify the effect of 12 weeks of Combined Training (CT) in patients suffering from COVID-19 of mild to moderate intensity.

Methods

69 participants diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19 were evaluated, with shortness of breath as the main symptom. All of them were sent by the Centro de Atendimento ao Funcionário do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (CEAC-HCFMUSP). The sample was divided into three groups: Group 1 (G1) – 26 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 evaluated before and after combined training together with nutritional guidance. Group 2 (G2) – 21 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were evaluated before and after 12 weeks. Patients in G2 (control) did not participate in the protocol but were instructed to train outside the hospital and did not receive nutritional guidance. Group 3 (G3) – 22 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were evaluated before and after combined training along with nutritional monitoring and post-workout whey protein supplementation throughout the duration of the protocol.

Results

The three groups did not have significant statistical differences when compared to each other, but there was significant intragroup improvement in the analyzed variables. There was an improvement in cardiorespiratory, metabolic, and muscular fitness. Furthermore, late symptoms of the disease were reduced at the end of the program.

Conclusion

The results of the dependent variables analyzed were significant within groups, CT was an efficient training model in improving the patient's general condition (fatigue and dyspnea) when training was controlled with supervision.