COVEX Project

Since... my COVID

It is now recognized that a significant proportion of individuals who contracted the infection, regardless of severity, exhibit debilitating symptoms that can affect their well-being, quality of life, and daily physical activity levels.1-4 These patients may experience a wide and varied spectrum of symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal discomfort, and neurological and cognitive issues. This condition, known as post-COVID syndrome or long COVID, affects between 10% and 50% of individuals who contracted the infection more than 12 weeks ago.5-7 Post-COVID syndrome is becoming a significant public health concern, as it disables patients for extended periods, ranging from a few months to, in some cases, years. It is difficult to diagnose, requires multiple healthcare specialists, and represents a significant burden and management challenge for patients under care. Few clear recommendations are currently issued regarding the management of patients suffering from long COVID.8 Therefore, more studies are needed to improve the state of knowledge on this condition and enhance recommendations regarding physical activity for affected individuals. One promising avenue is adherence to a low-intensity physical activity program practiced regularly.

The primary objectives of this study are:

To investigate the effects of an exercise program on inflammatory markers related to post-COVID syndrome in non-hospitalized patients. We will observe:

1. The immune and inflammatory response post-exercise after an 8-week low-to-moderate intensity exercise program, conducted three times a week.

2. Changes in the physical capacity of the participants.