Eight weeks exercise training program for runners with mild-to-moderate symptoms after COVID-19 infection: a case report

Abstract

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has dramatically introduced enormous changes in human lives, including athletic activities over the past 2 years. Many occasionally professional and recreational athletes have been affected by COVID-19 infections. Case Description: In this study, we present a 39-year-old recreational runner (body mass index, 23 kg/m2 and running regime of 30 to 35 km per week) with mild-to-moderate symptoms after COVID-19 infection, who completed an exercise training program, in order to return safely to his exercise routines. A multidisciplinary team was established to design the exercise training program, comprising by a sport physician, an exercise trainer and the runner. An individualized exercise training program was performed and consisted of both aerobic and resistance exercises for 8 consequent weeks (5 times per week). In this compendium, metabolic equivalents (METs) were used as an indicator of physical activity intensity. A continuing medical guidance was performed during the whole quarantine and exercise period. At 6 months after starting the individualized exercise training program, he has returned to his weekly running routine without any complaint. Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of a tailored made exercise training program for runners who recover from COVID-19 infection. Training with gradually increased intensity achieved safe return to running events and sport participation in his previous level, with lower injuries rate.