Resistance Exercise Boosts Recovery for Long COVID Patients

A recent study led by the University of Glasgow reveals that a three-month program of resistance exercise significantly enhances both physical and mental well-being in individuals suffering from long COVID. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions 2025 and published in JAMA Network Open. The research underscores the critical role of manageable exercise following a severe COVID-19 infection.

The study involved over 230 participants diagnosed with COVID-19, either through community health care or hospital settings. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one engaged in resistance training as part of their ongoing health care, while the other received standard health care without additional exercise support.

Exercise Program Demonstrates Impact

Researchers evaluated each participant at the beginning and after three months using a shuttle walk test. Those who participated in the resistance training were able to walk significantly further compared to those who received only standard health care. The benefits extended beyond physical capabilities; participants engaged in the exercise program reported improvements in grip strength, overall quality of life, and reductions in anxiety and depression.

Professor Colin Berry, principal investigator of the study and Professor of Cardiology and Imaging at the University of Glasgow, noted, “Our study demonstrates the benefits of resistance training on COVID-19 recovery. Those experiencing persisting symptoms after COVID-19 could greatly benefit from this type of exercise.” He added that research since 2020 has shown the substantial impact long COVID can have on quality of life, encompassing both mental and physical health.

Tailored Exercise Regimens for Recovery

Participants in the study followed a tailored exercise program designed to accommodate their individual wellness levels and physical abilities. Initially, bed-bound patients performed exercises while lying down, while those in recovery were guided through seated or standing exercises, depending on their condition. All participants began with upper body exercises, gradually incorporating lower body workouts after three weeks.

Professor Stuart Gray, who designed the exercise intervention, emphasized the program’s accessibility. “The exercises were created to be safe, simple, and easy to perform anywhere, making this a viable option for the broader community of individuals with long COVID,” he stated. The study’s results are promising, indicating that such pragmatic interventions can lead to meaningful improvements in physical function, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Professor Jesse Dawson, Director of Research and Innovation at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, expressed enthusiasm for the collaborative effort. “We are excited that this resistance training intervention, which could be widely implemented, has shown significant improvements in both physical measures and mental well-being,” he said.

This research is part of the broader CISCO (Cardiac Imaging in SARS Coronavirus Disease) study, which aims to deepen understanding of the long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The CISCO study monitored patients in real time after hospitalization for COVID-19 and compared their health outcomes to those of a control group matched by age, sex, and medical history.

For further details, refer to the study published by Colin Berry et al in JAMA Network Open in March 2025.