Respiratory function and physical fitness of Hospices Civils de Lyon staff with a long COVID; Effects of an exercise rehabilitation program

Introduction. - The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on hospital staff. At the Hos-pices Civils de Lyon (HCL), after a physiological evaluation an exercise rehabilitation program was proposed to hospital staff with suggestive symptoms of long COVID. The objective of our study was to evaluate the physiological impact of SARS-COV-2 infection in HCL employees presenting symptoms of long COVID and to evaluate the effects of an exercise rehabilitation program. Methods. - Twenty-nine employees who consulted for symptoms of long COVID were included. Physiological evaluation (EFRs, 6-minute walk test [TM6], exercise tests) was used to measure the impact of COVID-19 on the respiratory function and physical fitness of these employees. A rehabilitation program was then proposed. At the end of the program, the TM6 and exercise tests were repeated in order to evaluate the effects of the program on the level of physical fitness. A subjective feeling questionnaire at the end of the program was proposed to the participants. Results. - Respiratory function was preserved in participants with normal EFRs. The level of physical fitness was lowered with a TM6 in the lower limits of normal, as well as a lowered maxi-mal power and VO2 max. The exercise rehabilitation program showed a significant improvement in TM6 and maximal power in the exercise test, suggesting a progression in the participants' muscle conditioning. The perception of the effects of the program by the questionnaire was positive. Conclusion. - The follow-up of hospital staff with long forms of COVID should draw the attention of occupational physicians to the importance of a referral to a physiological evaluation, possibly leading to inclusion in an exercise rehabilitation program. This treatment is likely to improve work capacity and encourage job retention.