Aerobic training effect on mental health and biological indicators in post-COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Introduction. One of the aspects of health most affected in patients infected by COVID-19 was mental health. Leading organizations worldwide have recommended physical activity as one of the main actions. Objective. To analyze the effect of a short-term aerobic training program on biological and mental health and quality of life indicators in post-Covid-19 patients. Methods. Symptomatology of depression, anxiety, stress, quality of life, vital signs, physical fitness and body composition were measured in 10 post COVID-19 patients. An aerobic physical exercise program was applied at 40-60% intensity, five days a week, 50 minutes per session for four weeks. Results. A 30% decrease in depression symptomatology, 58% in stress and 44% in anxiety was found during the intervention period (p<0.001). Regarding the perception of quality of life, the psychological area was the one that presented a positive effect during the intervention (p=0.035). An increase in leg strength (p=0.018) and a decrease in body fat (p=0.005) were found during the intervention. Conclusion. A short-term physical exercise program shows benefits in mental health indicators in post-COVID-19 patients.