General information about the Covid-19 study
Reduced exercise capacity, an elevated heart rate at rest and during exercise, tiredness, chronic fatigue, headaches and dizziness?
Such symptoms can persist after Covid-19 disease, both in the short and long term, and can negatively impact daily life and participation in sports.
Therefore, the Department of Sports Medicine, Exercise Physiology and Prevention at the Institute of Sport Science of the University of Vienna would like to systematically investigate exercise capacity and quality of life after Covid-19 using modern sports medical and sports scientific methods.
The examinations are to take place shortly after a Covid-19 infection as well as three months afterwards. The results of the study will help physicians, training therapists and trainer to provide optimal advice and support for patients with Covid-19 disease with regard to their resilience in everyday life and in sports. Our study will start in January 2022. If you are interested, you can already contact us.
Current healthcare recommendation
The current recommendation provided by the "Post/Long Covid-19 Guidelines" includes basic primary medical diagnosis as well as basic performance physiological and psychosomatic care to prevent chronification and the resulting psychosocial burden.
The Post/Long Covid Syndrome
Currently, the incidence of Post/Long Covid syndrome is expected to be about 15%. The Post/Long Covid Syndrome is currently diagnosed, following the Cochrane Rehabilitation Review, on the existence of one of the following four categories:
1. Symptoms that persist after an acute phase of Covid-19 or its treatment
2. Symptoms that have resulted in a new health limitation
3. New symptoms that occurred after the acute phase ended but are considered to be a consequence of the Covid-19 disease
4. Worsening of a pre-existing underlying condition
Additional training study: Physical activity and Long COVID-19
As part of a research project conducted by the Department of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Health, the effect of different types of exercise on physical performance, blood inflammatory markers and quality of life in Long Covid-19 affected individuals is being investigated.
Interested adults who are still suffering from the effects of SARS-CoV-2 at least three months after infection and who have not engaged in structured endurance or strength training in the last six months, but are still interested in becoming physically active, can contact the trial director from January 2022.
Johanna Sick, MSc; E-Mail: johanna.sick@univie.ac.at; tel.: +43-1-4277-59118