Abstract
BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers rank among the groups that are most vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Deterioration in physical fitness and mental health is a common manifestation in the post-COVID-19 person, which require specific and effective treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 6-week, semi-supervised exercise intervention on physical fitness and mental health in post-COVID-19 healthcare workers (HCWs). METHODS: Fifty-four HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 within 3-4 weeks were randomly assigned to an exercise group or a control group. The exercise group followed a 6-week semi-supervised program with three weekly 60-80-minute sessions. Assessments included handgrip strength, sit-to-stand, push-up, curl-up, cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility, balance, and mental health. Analyses followed intention-to-treat principles. RESULTS: Compared with those of the control group, the push-up scores (p = 0.003, η(p)(2) = 0.162), curl-up scores (p < 0.001, η(p)(2) = 0.248), and maximum load of the rowing ergometer (p = 0.012, η(p)(2) = 0.121) significantly increased in the exercise group. The depression (p = 0.003) and anxiety (p = 0.023) scores significantly decreased at the end of the intervention in the exercise group, although no significant differences were observed between the groups. No adverse events potentially linked to the intervention were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A six-week semi-supervised exercise training significantly improved functional muscle strength and endurance, and maximum rowing intensity in post-COVID-19 HCWs compared to controls, along with within-group reductions in depression and anxiety. No adverse events were reported. These findings suggest that exercise may be a safe and effective recovery strategy to prevent or alleviate post-COVID-19 conditions, although further research is needed to confirm long-term effectiveness and mechanisms of action. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (#ChiCTR2100051901) from 2021-10-09.