Resistance Exercise Boosts Recovery for Long COVID Patients

A new study reveals that a three-month program of resistance exercise significantly enhances physical and mental well-being in individuals suffering from long COVID. Conducted by the University of Glasgow in collaboration with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, the University of Dundee, and NHS Tayside, these findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions 2025 and published in JAMA Network Open.

The research involved over 230 participants diagnosed with COVID-19, either in community healthcare settings or hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one group engaged in resistance training as part of their ongoing healthcare, while the other received standard care without exercise intervention.

The results demonstrated measurable improvements. After three months, those who participated in the resistance training program showed a notable increase in their walking distance during the shuttle walk test compared to the control group. Additionally, participants in the exercise group reported higher grip strength and better overall quality of life, experiencing reduced anxiety and depression.

Understanding Long COVID’s Impact

Long COVID, characterized by lingering symptoms lasting longer than 12 weeks post-infection, has emerged as a significant health issue during the pandemic. Symptoms often include fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive difficulties, commonly referred to as brain fog. According to Professor Colin Berry, principal investigator of the CISCO study and Professor of Cardiology and Imaging at the University of Glasgow, the study underscores the potential benefits of resistance training for those grappling with persistent COVID-19 symptoms.

“Our study demonstrates the benefits of resistance training on COVID-19 recovery, and suggests that people affected by persisting symptoms after COVID-19 could benefit by adopting this kind of exercise,” Berry stated. He emphasized that since 2020, research has indicated that long COVID can substantially impact quality of life, affecting both mental and physical health.

Tailored Exercise Programs for Recovery

Participants in the study underwent tailored exercise routines categorized based on their individual wellness and abilities. Initially, those who were bed-bound were instructed to perform exercises lying down, while those in recovery engaged in seated or standing exercises. All participants started with upper body exercises, gradually introducing lower body routines in the third week.

Stuart Gray, Professor of Muscle and Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow and the study’s exercise intervention designer, remarked on the accessibility of the program. “The exercises were designed to be safe, simple, and easy to perform wherever and whenever convenient for the participant. This makes the intervention readily applicable to the wider community of individuals with long COVID,” he noted.

The study’s findings are part of the broader CISCO (Cardiac Imaging in SARS Coronavirus Disease) research initiative, which aims to enhance understanding of the health implications following COVID-19 hospitalization. The CISCO study closely monitored patients post-hospitalization and compared their recovery to a control group matched by age, sex, and medical history.

Jesse Dawson, Professor of Stroke Medicine at the University of Glasgow and Director of Research and Innovation at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, expressed enthusiasm for the results. “We are delighted to have collaborated on this study. It is exciting that this resistance training intervention, which could be widely implemented, improved physical measures as well as anxiety and quality of life,” he stated, congratulating the study team and participants for their contributions.

Overall, this research highlights the potential of resistance exercise as a practical intervention for improving the quality of life of those affected by long COVID. By adopting such exercise regimens, individuals may find effective strategies to manage their symptoms and enhance their overall health.