Associação entre fadiga, dispneia e aptidão física em pessoas com síndrome pós-COVID-19

Abstract

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – CoronaVirus - 2019). In addition to the acute phase of the disease, the presence of sequelae after recovery from the acute phase has become a concern. This condition is known as post-COVID syndrome (>12 weeks), with the most common symptoms being persistent fatigue and dyspnea. The present study aimed to analyze the relationship between fatigue and dyspnea with functional capacity in individuals with post-COVID syndrome. This was a multicenter cross-sectional study with baseline data from a randomized controlled clinical trial (RECOVERY Study). The sample consisted of 103 individuals of both sexes aged 18 to 75 with characteristic symptoms of post-COVID syndrome. Fatigue was measured using the Chalder Physical Fatigue Scale, dyspnea was measured using the modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC), and functional fitness was assessed through the Timed Up and Go test, the 6-minute walk test, and sit-to-stand test. Generalized linear regression was employed, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was considered. Results: Dyspnea showed a significant association only with the Timed Up and Go test and the functional score; although fatigue was also a recurrent symptom in post-COVID-19 syndrome, it did not show significant associations with the performance of individuals in the conducted tests. Conclusion: Our results indicate the need for monitoring and prescriptions aimed at improving the physical fitness of post-COVID patients, especially those with high levels of dyspnea.