ABSTRACT
Introduction: Pulmonary function can be affected in Long COVID Syndrome as long-term health consequences caused by SARS CoV2 infection. Objects: The aim of the study was to evaluate the consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pulmonary function, exercise tolerance and muscle strength in healthy middle age outpatients. Method(s): a retrospective cohort study was carried out at the long-COVID outpatient clinics after 3 month from the last negative PCR test. Pulmonary function tests, diffusion of carbon monoxide (Dlco), 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Handgrip Test (HT), and One Minute Sit to Stand Test (1'STS) were perfomed and only in symptomatic patients chest HRCT was carried out. Subjects included were divided according to age, BMI positive HRCT for pneumonia and comorbidities. Result(s): 89 males and 4 female (age: 49,49 +/- 9,1yrs) were included. Subjects older than 50 yrs or with a positive HRCT had a significantly (p<0,05) lower FVC, DLco, and 6MWT distance compared to younger subjects or subjects with negative or no HRCT. Subjects with a greater BMI (>30) had similar lung function compared to the group with a BMI<=30, but a significantly lower distance at the 6MWT (509m vs 570m, p.<0,05), a lower nadir saturation and a lower number of repetition at the 1'STS. In the all group, the DLco, %pr positively correlates with number of repetition at the 1'STS, the distance at the 6MWT and the strength at the HG. Conclusion(s): These results showed that BMI has an impact on exercise tolerance impairment, age and CT pulmonary involvement due to SARS-CoV-2 infection lead to a spirometric restrictive pattern, while DLco correlates with an impaired exercise tolerance, regardless of the exercise modalities.