Schaefer, L.V.; Bittmann, F.N. The Adaptive Force as a Potential Biomechanical Parameter in the Recovery Process of Patients with Long COVID. Diagnostics2023, 13, 882.
Schaefer, L.V.; Bittmann, F.N. The Adaptive Force as a Potential Biomechanical Parameter in the Recovery Process of Patients with Long COVID. Diagnostics 2023, 13, 882.
Schaefer, L.V.; Bittmann, F.N. The Adaptive Force as a Potential Biomechanical Parameter in the Recovery Process of Patients with Long COVID. Diagnostics2023, 13, 882.
Schaefer, L.V.; Bittmann, F.N. The Adaptive Force as a Potential Biomechanical Parameter in the Recovery Process of Patients with Long COVID. Diagnostics 2023, 13, 882.
Abstract
Neuromuscular symptoms in long COVID patients are common. Since adequate diagnostics are still missing, investigating muscle function might be beneficial. The holding capacity (maximal isometric Adaptive Force; AFisomax) was previously suggested to be especially vulnerable for impairments. This longitudinal, non-clinical study aimed to investigate the AF in long COVID patients in recovery process. AF parameters of elbow/hip flexors were assessed in 17 patients at three timepoints (pre: long COVID state, post: immediately after first treatment, end: recovery) by an objectified manual muscle test. The tester applied an increasing force on the limb of the patient, who had to resist isometrically for as long as possible. The intensity of 13 common symptoms were queried. At pre, patients started to lengthen their muscles at ~50% of the maximal AF (AFmax), which was then reached during eccentric motion, indicating unstable adaptation. At post and end, AFisomax increased significantly to ~99% and 100% of AFmax, respectively, reflecting stable adaptation. AFmax was statistically similar for all three timepoints. Symptoms intensity decreased significantly from pre to end. In conclusion, maximal holding capacity seems to be impaired in long COVID patients and increases with substantial health improvement. AFisomax might be a suitable sensitive functional parameter to assess long COVID patients and to support therapy process.
Medicine and Pharmacology, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
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