Individuals grappling with long Covid often experience prolonged periods of fatigue, malaise, and pain after engaging in physical exercise. A recent study sheds light on the biological underpinnings of this phenomenon, pointing to severe muscle damage, mitochondrial issues, and the presence of microclots in the body. Here’s a detailed exploration of the study’s findings:
Understanding the Study:
- Participants: The study involved 25 patients with long Covid experiencing post-exercise malaise and 21 individuals who had fully recovered from Covid. All participants were of working age, fit, and healthy before contracting the virus, and none had been hospitalized due to Covid.
- Exercise Task: Each participant underwent a 10-15 minute session on an exercise bicycle, with blood samples and skeletal muscle biopsies taken a week before and the day after the exercise.
Key Findings:
1. Lower Exercise Capacity:
- On average, individuals with long Covid exhibited a lower exercise capacity compared to healthy participants.
2. Muscle Fiber Composition:
- Biopsies revealed that individuals with long Covid had a higher proportion of white muscle fibers, which have fewer mitochondria and capillaries.
3. Mitochondrial Dysfunction:
- Signs of impaired mitochondrial function were observed in long Covid patients, contributing to reduced exercise capacity.
4. Presence of Microclots:
- Long Covid patients showed an increased presence of amyloid, a protein associated with microclots, in skeletal muscles. However, these microclots did not appear to block blood vessels.
5. Mitochondrial Function Worsening Post-Exercise:
- After cycling, mitochondrial function in long Covid patients deteriorated, leading to more tissue damage and signs of the body attempting repairs.
Interpreting the Findings:
- Dr. Rob Wüst, one of the study’s authors, emphasized that the study explains, in part, the reduced exercise capacity and the persistent muscle pain experienced by individuals with long Covid.
- The study underscores the importance of avoiding intense exercise for people with long Covid, as it can exacerbate muscle damage, worsen metabolism, and contribute to prolonged fatigue and muscle pain.
Implications for Treatment:
- The study suggests that treatments targeting mitochondrial health could be beneficial for mitigating fatigue in long Covid. However, persistent inflammation may also play a role, indicating a multifaceted approach to treatment.
While these findings provide valuable insights, ongoing research is essential to unravel the complex interplay of factors contributing to long Covid symptoms and to identify effective therapeutic interventions.
Erin Balsa is a highly skilled and knowledgeable health journalist with a passion for educating the public on important health and wellness topics. With extensive experience in both traditional and digital media, Erin has established herself as a trusted voice in the field.