Post COVID-19 Physical Performance and Functional Capacity

The SARS-CoV-19 infection has a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations including respiratory symptoms and myalgia. Beyond the extreme negative impact of acute COVID-19 disease on the healthcare system and mortality, post-COVID-19 complications are not uncommon. Physical deconditioning, dyspnea, fatigue, anxiety, mood disorders and important decline in quality of life are common reported symptoms associated to post-COVID-19. Hospitalization and critical illness can lead to reduction of physical performance and development or worsening of already existing functional capacity impairment. In the case of post-COVID-19, both physical performance and functional capacity reduction may be attributed to: prolonged immobility and development of physical deconditioning or COVID-19 pathophysiological mechanisms related to direct SARS-CoV-19 multiorgan damage and inflammation consequences.

In this Research Topic we aim to receive high-quality papers of all types that describe the impact of COVID-19 on physical performance and functional capacity, recovery after COVID-19 in relationship with cardio-respiratory performance, muscular function, cognitive performance and quality of life. In addition, research articles focused on specific patho-mechanisms implicated in post COVID-19 functional capacity impairment are welcomed as well.

Specifically, we are interested in receiving manuscript covering, but not limited to:

• physical performance
• exercise training
• disability
• deconditioning
• cognitive decline
• comprehensive geriatric assessments
• frailty
• rehabilitation

We believe that the collection of these topics will help clinicians in the screening and management of COVID-19 complications related to functional and physical decline and will represent new platforms for future research and investigational studies.