The research, featured in the journal PLOS One, was conducted by the Internal Medicine and Clinical Physiology departments. The findings confirm that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes significant peripheral muscle impairment, leading to a major decrease in physical performance.
Beyond muscle weakness, the study identified lipoprotein imbalances and cellular energy production issues. These metabolic changes result in lactate accumulation and chronic inflammation, explaining the persistent fatigue reported by many patients.
The GRAIÏT research group from the Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud emphasizes that long COVID is a multisystemic condition. They advocate for personalized rehabilitation programs focusing on strength and endurance to improve patients' quality of life.
