Influences of high vs. low-intensity exercises on muscle strength, function, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients with sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial

A.A. Ibrahim, I.M. Dewir, S.T. Abu El Kasem, M.M. Ragab, M.S. Abdel-fattah, H.M. Hussein

Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha’il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia. a.abdalmoniem@uoh.edu.sa

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• Infectious Diseases
• Physical Therapy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of high vs. low-intensity exercise training on muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients with sarcopenia secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 82 subjects were randomized into 2 groups: high intensity (HIG, n=42), which received high-intensity resistance training, and low intensity (LIG, n=40), which conducted low-intensity aerobic activities. Exercises were performed for 30 min, 3 times per week for 6 weeks. A handheld dynamometer, pinch press, and 1 min sit-to-stand (STS) test were used to assess muscle strength. Modified physical performance test and sarcopenia Quality of Life questionnaire (SAR-QoL) were used to assess function and quality of life, respectively. Measures were collected before and at the end of the treatment program.

RESULTS: Participants were similar at baseline. The within-group comparisons demonstrated statistically significant improvement in both HIG and LIG groups in all outcome measures (p<0.001). Between groups, comparisons revealed statistically significant better achievements with high effect size in Modified Physical Performance Test (MMPT) (p<0.001, d=1.28), handgrip (p<0.001, d=3.6), STS (p<0.001, d=2.38), and SAR-QoL (p<0.001, d=3.24) in favor of the HIG. On the other hand, pinch press strength was equally improved in both groups (p=0.09, d=0.36).

CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity exercise is better than low-intensity exercises in post-COVID-19 patients with sarcopenia secondary to chronic kidney disease regarding muscle strength, physical function, and quality of life.

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