To evaluate 12-month changes in cardiac structure, myocardial deformation, and cardiopulmonary performance specifically in athletes recovering from mild COVID-19.
Key Findings:
Cardiac structure and function remained stable over 12 months with no adverse remodeling, indicating a positive recovery trajectory.
A significant reduction in E/E′ medial was observed, while other diastolic indices showed no significant changes.
Cardiopulmonary performance was preserved with no significant changes in VO2peak or workload, reinforcing the stability of exercise capacity.
Baseline VO₂peak was the only independent predictor of follow-up VO₂peak, highlighting its importance in recovery.
Interpretation:
The study indicates that athletes recovering from mild COVID-19 do not exhibit long-term impairments in cardiac structure or exercise performance, supporting a safe return to sports for these individuals.
Limitations:
Small sample size may limit generalizability and statistical power.
Study focused only on athletes with mild COVID-19, excluding those with severe cases.
Conclusion:
Findings suggest stable cardiopulmonary outcomes at 12 months post-infection, reinforcing the safety of return to sport for asymptomatic athletes.
by Jana Schellenberg, Lynn Matits, Johannes Kersten, Daniel A. Bizjak, Florian Horn, Johannes Hell, Sebastian Viktor Waldemar Schulz, Eric Schwarz, Johannes Kirsten
