@article{Komici_K-2021_41426,
title = {Clinical characteristics, exercise capacity and pulmonary function in post-COVID-19 competitive athletes},
author = {Komici, K. and Bianco, A. and Perrotta, F. and Dello Iacono, A. and Bencivenga, L. and D'Agnano , V. and Rocca, A. and Bianco, A. and Rengo, G. and Guerra, G.},
month = {jul},
year = {2021},
abstract = {Background: Limited evidence exists regarding adverse modifications affecting cardiovascular and pulmonary function in physical active adults affected by COVID-19, especially in athletic populations. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in a cohort of competitive athletes, as well as spirometry and echocardiography findings and cardio-respiratory performance during exercise.  Methods: Twenty-four competitive athletes with COVID-19 were recruited for this study after ending self-isolation and confirmation of negative laboratory results. All athletes underwent clinical evaluation, spirometry, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). These data were compared to a group of healthy control athletes.  Results: Anosmia was the most frequent symptom present in 70.83% patients, followed by myalgia, fatigue and ageusia. The most frequent persisting symptoms were anosmia 11 (45.83%) and ageusia 8 (33.33%). Compared to controls, COVID-19 patients presented lower FEV1%: 97.5 (91.5–108) vs. 109 (106–116) p = 0.007. Peak Oxygen Uptake (VO2) in COVID-19 patients was 50.1 (47.7–51.65) vs. 49 (44.2–52.6) in controls (p = 0.618).  Conclusions: Reduced exercise capacity was not identified and pulmonary and cardiovascular function are not impaired during early recovery phase in a population of physical active adults except FEV1 reduction.},
volume = {10},
issue = {14},
journal = {Journal of Clinical Medicine},
publisher = {MDPI},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10143053},
}
