Resistance Training Significantly Benefits Long COVID Patients

A recent study indicates that a three-month program of resistance exercise can substantially enhance both physical and mental well-being for individuals suffering from long COVID. This research, led by the University of Glasgow in partnership with NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, the University of Dundee, and NHS Tayside, underscores the significance of manageable exercise following a severe COVID-19 infection. Findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Annual Scientific Sessions 2025 and simultaneously published in JAMA Network Open.

The study involved over 230 participants diagnosed with COVID-19, either from community health care or hospital settings. Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received resistance training as part of their ongoing health care, while the other did not engage in any structured exercise program.

Exercise Leads to Measurable Improvements

Researchers conducted initial assessments using a shuttle walk test, followed by a repeat of the same test after three months. Results showed that those in the resistance training group were able to walk significantly further than those who received standard health care alone. Additionally, participants who engaged in resistance training experienced a range of health benefits, including increased grip strength and improved overall quality of life, characterized by reduced anxiety and depression levels.

Professor Colin Berry, the principal investigator of the CISCO study and a Professor of Cardiology and Imaging at the University of Glasgow, stated, “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.” He noted that long COVID can profoundly affect quality of life, emphasizing that these findings contribute to a broader understanding of effective treatments for the condition.

Tailored Exercise Regimens for Recovery

Participants in the study were prescribed individualized exercise routines based on their overall health and capabilities. For instance, bed-bound patients performed exercises while lying down, while those in recovery received guidance for seated or standing exercises tailored to their specific condition. Initially, all participants focused on upper body exercises and were introduced to lower body exercises after three weeks.

Professor Stuart Gray, who designed the exercise intervention, remarked, “The exercises were designed to be safe, simple, and easy to perform at the participants’ convenience, making this a practical approach to improving health for those with long COVID.” He expressed excitement about the positive outcomes, highlighting the potential for broad implementation of this intervention.

Professor Jesse Dawson, Director of Research and Innovation at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, also commended the study, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Glasgow and other partners on this research. It is inspiring to see that this resistance training intervention improved both physical health metrics and overall quality of life.”

This latest research forms part of the larger CISCO (Cardiac Imaging in SARS Coronavirus disease) study, which aims to deepen the understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic’s long-term effects. The CISCO study monitored patients post-hospitalization for COVID-19, comparing their health outcomes to those of a control group with similar demographics.

In conclusion, the findings from this study provide promising evidence that resistance training can play a vital role in the recovery process for individuals navigating the complex challenges of long COVID. Further research will continue to explore effective strategies for managing this ongoing health crisis.