Respiratory muscle sequelae in young university students infected by coronavirus disease 2019: an observational study

Abstract

BACKGROUND:The infection caused by coronavirus disease 2019 can lead to respiratory sequelae in individuals who have experienced severe or mild symptoms. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was developed, following the STROBE guidelines. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressures were assessed in 50 healthy young students (26 women, 24 men; age 22.20±2.41 years). The inclusion criteria were as follows: aged between 18 and 35 years; control group: not diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019; and coronavirus disease 2019 group: diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019, at least 6 months ago. The exclusion criteria were as follows: obese/overweight; infected with coronavirus disease 2019 or coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms in the last 6 months; smokers; and asthmatics. RESULTS: When comparing with groups, the coronavirus disease 2019 group presented statistically significant lower maximal inspiratory pressure values compared with the control group (88.32±16.62 vs. 101.01±17.42 cm H 2 O; p=0.01). Regarding the maximal expiratory pressure, no significant differences were found. Similar results were found when performing a subgroup analysis by sex and group. CONCLUSIONS: Young students who suffered from coronavirus disease 2019 asymptomatically or mildly at least 6 months ago presented a significant decrease in the inspiratory muscle strength as a sequel, so we believe that patients affected by this disease should have a brief postinfection assessment of this musculature to detect the indication for cardiorespiratory rehabilitation.

Physical activity levels respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and pulmonary function in young post-COVID-19 patients

“…In our study, both inspiratory (50%) and expiratory (66.7%) muscle strength were found as weakened according to the long-term results of young individuals who had mildly recovered from COVID-19. In contrast to the present study, Plaza and Sevilla [ 21 ] showed preserved respiratory muscle strength in university students who had recovered from mild COVID-19 at least 6 months later; however, they showed that the inspiratory muscle strength of individuals with COVID-19 decreased compared to healthy individuals, but the expiratory muscle strength did not change. The difference between respiratory muscle strength results may be due to the female gender dominance in this study, unlike the Plaza and Sevilla study [ 21 ] because the subgroup results showed that the respiratory muscle strength of women with COVID-19 decreased more [ 21 ].…”

“…In contrast to the present study, Plaza and Sevilla [ 21 ] showed preserved respiratory muscle strength in university students who had recovered from mild COVID-19 at least 6 months later; however, they showed that the inspiratory muscle strength of individuals with COVID-19 decreased compared to healthy individuals, but the expiratory muscle strength did not change. The difference between respiratory muscle strength results may be due to the female gender dominance in this study, unlike the Plaza and Sevilla study [ 21 ] because the subgroup results showed that the respiratory muscle strength of women with COVID-19 decreased more [ 21 ]. In addition, the inclusion of individuals with asymptomatic COVID-19 in the study [ 21 ] may explain the preservation of respiratory muscle strength, as it is thought to reduce the severity and effect of the disease.…”

“…The difference between respiratory muscle strength results may be due to the female gender dominance in this study, unlike the Plaza and Sevilla study [ 21 ] because the subgroup results showed that the respiratory muscle strength of women with COVID-19 decreased more [ 21 ]. In addition, the inclusion of individuals with asymptomatic COVID-19 in the study [ 21 ] may explain the preservation of respiratory muscle strength, as it is thought to reduce the severity and effect of the disease.…”

“…Previously, it was reported that COVID-19 also causes respiratory muscle weakness in the long term [ 11 ]; however, few numbers of studies have investigated respiratory muscle strength in mild post-COVID-19. It has been reported that young individuals with mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 may experience respiratory muscle weakness [ 21 ]. In addition, mild to moderate COVID-19 patients may exhibit extrapulmonary manifestations such as peripheral muscle weakness and deteriorated physical activity levels in the mid-term [ 22 ]; however, long-term evidence for post-COVID-19 young individuals is insufficient.…”

Influência da composição corporal durante a hospitalização sobre a função pulmonar e força da musculatura inspiratória em pacientes com COVID-19: estudo transversal

“…After hospital discharge, this muscle weakness persists in 92% of patients [6]. During the course of the disease, symptoms are often persistent and impactful, and muscle weakness seems to impair lung function and maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) [7][8][9].…”