Rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 condition through a supervised exercise intervention: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of patients with post-COVID-19 condition undergoing supervised therapeutic exercise intervention or following the self-management WHO (World Health Organization) rehabilitation leaflet. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was carried out that included 39 participants with post-COVID-19 condition who had a chronic symptomatic phase lasting >12 weeks. Comprehensive medical screening, patient-reported symptoms, and cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength were assessed. Patients were randomly assigned to a tailored multicomponent exercise program based on concurrent training for 8 weeks (two supervised sessions per week comprised resistance training combined with aerobic training [moderate intensity variable training], plus a third day of monitored light intensity continuous training), or to a control group which followed the WHO guidelines for rehabilitation after COVID-19. RESULTS: After follow-up, there were changes in physical outcomes in both groups, however, the magnitude of the change pre-post intervention favored the exercise group in cardiovascular and strength markers: VO2 max +5.7%, sit-to-stand -22.7% and load-velocity profiles in bench press +6.3%, and half squat +16.9%, (p < 0.05). In addition, exercise intervention resulted in a significantly better quality of life, less fatigue, less depression, and improved functional status, as well as in superior cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength compared to controls (p < 0.05). No adverse events were observed during the training sessions. CONCLUSION: Compared to current WHO recommendations, a supervised, tailored concurrent training at low and moderate intensity for both resistance and endurance training is a more effective, safe, and well-tolerated intervention in post-COVID-19 conditions.

Exploring Game Dynamics in Padel: Implications for Assessment and Training.

Courel-Ibáñez, J, Sánchez-Alcaraz Martinez, BJ, and Muñoz Marín, D. Exploring game dynamics in padel: implications for assessment and training. J Strength Cond Res 33(7): 1971-1977, 2019-A better understanding of in-game competition demands potentially improved coaching strategy and quality. However, there is very limited information about game patterns in padel, a very modern racket sport born in the 70s. The purpose of this study was therefore to quantify and classify game dynamics during the match in professional padel players through a multivariate decision tree approach including technical, spatial, and effectiveness indicators. The results determined 3 main game styles strongly defined by the court zone (net, middle, and baseline). In addition, particular technical, spatial, and effectiveness indicators were identified in each zone. In net and middle areas (offense) stood the use of volleys and overhead strokes on the center lane to both keep a positional advantage and solve the point. Conversely in the baseline (defense), the use of corner side walls and the domain of lobs showed to be relevant. The high rate of backhand groundstrokes, involving over 4 of 10 actions, is also remarkable. This information may have relevant implications for coaches working in padel by providing a novel hierarchically organization of game dynamics, which helps in designing training and conditioning programs close to real competitive situations.

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome and the Potential Benefits of Exercise.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, is leading to unknown and unusual health conditions that are challenging to manage. Post-COVID-19 syndrome is one of those challenges, having become increasingly common as the pandemic evolves. The latest estimates suggest that 10 to 20% of the SARS-CoV-2 patients who undergo an acute symptomatic phase are experiencing effects of the disease beyond 12 weeks after diagnosis. Although research is beginning to examine this new condition, there are still serious concerns about the diagnostic identification, which limits the best therapeutic approach. Exercise programs and physical activity levels are well-known modulators of the clinical manifestations and prognosis in many chronic diseases. This narrative review summarizes the up-to-date evidence on post-COVID-19 syndrome to contribute to a better knowledge of the disease and explains how regular exercise may improve many of these symptoms and could reduce the long-term effects of COVID-19.