Long Covid Causes Debilitating Effects on Exercise, Study Finds
Researchers have identified biological changes that explain why many people with long Covid feel tired, unwell, and in pain after exercising.
Biological Changes Linked to Long Covid
A recent study has found evidence that long Covid causes severe muscle damage, mitochondrial problems, and the presence of microclots in the body, which can explain the debilitating effects of exercise on individuals with the condition. Researchers have discovered that these biological changes are the underlying cause of prolonged fatigue, malaise, and pain experienced by those with long Covid.
The study, conducted by experts at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and published in the journal Nature Communications, involved 25 long Covid patients and 21 individuals who had fully recovered from Covid. All participants were of working age and had not been hospitalized for Covid. They were asked to cycle for 10-15 minutes, and blood samples and muscle biopsies were taken before and after the exercise task.
Muscle Fibers and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
The analysis of the biopsies revealed that long Covid patients had a higher proportion of white fibers in their muscles compared to healthy participants. These white fibers have fewer power-producing structures called mitochondria and fewer capillaries, which reduce exercise capacity. Furthermore, the study found that the mitochondria in long Covid patients did not function as effectively as those in healthy participants.
The presence of clumps of a protein called amyloid in the skeletal muscles of long Covid patients was also observed. Although these clumps, known as microclots, did not block blood vessels, they were associated with more tissue damage and impaired repair mechanisms after exercise.
Implications and Potential Treatments
The findings of the study suggest that people with long Covid should avoid intense exercise as it can worsen muscle pain, fatigue, and metabolic function. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of treatments that improve mitochondrial health as a potential strategy to alleviate symptoms.
Prof Betty Raman from the University of Oxford, who was not involved in the study, agrees that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to the fatigue experienced by long Covid patients. However, she also notes that other factors, such as persistent inflammation, may play a role in the symptoms.
With a better understanding of the biological changes associated with long Covid and their impact on exercise, researchers and medical professionals can develop targeted interventions and support for individuals with the condition.
