Comparison of physical fitness in youth with post-COVID-19: A study of individuals with and without symptoms

This study aims to examine differences in physical fitness among young adults in three distinct groups: individuals with long COVID, those who had recovered from COVID-19 without lingering symptoms, and healthy individuals with no history of infection. A total of 105 participants were equally divided into the three groups (n = 35 each). Evaluations included handgrip strength for upper body strength, handheld dynamometry for quadricep strength, and a six-minute walk test (6MWT) to assess the cardiorespiratory performance. Participants with long COVID demonstrated significantly lower handgrip strengths compared to the control group. Additionally, both post-COVID groups showed reduced 6MWT distances and elevated post-exercise physiological responses, including heart rate, systolic blood pressure, perceived exertion, and leg fatigue, regardless of symptom persistence. These findings indicate that individuals recovering from COVID-19, especially those with persistent symptoms, exhibit measurable declines in muscular and cardiorespiratory fitness, along with heightened physiological stress during physical activity.