Muscular Rehabilitation by Eccentric Exercise After Severe COVID-19 Infection

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of patients to be treated in rehabilitation increased . Hospitalization for severe infection can induce muscular atrophy and muscular dysfunction that persists for several months and rehabilitation capacities may be exceeded. Exercises in eccentric mode could be performed, inducing greater muscular hypertrophy, muscle strength, power and speed than concentric exercises. The goal of this study was to compare functional recovery at 2 months after a training program in eccentric and concentric mode after severe COVID-19. An effective rehabilitation could help reduce costs and duration of care.

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female, 18 to 80 years old * Diagnosed for SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) requiring a rehabilitation program at least 1 month after the hospitalization * Autonomy in daily life activities 1 month after diagnosis * Able to walk for 6 min (discontinuous walking possible) * Giving informed written consent to participate in the study * Health insurance coverage Exclusion Criteria: * Cardiovascular or respiratory contraindication to the rehabilitation program * Difficulty to perform an eccentric exercise on a seated ergometer * Pregnant or breastfeeding * Under guardianship, curatorship or deprived of liberty * Taking antivitamin K anticoagulation (muscle biopsy) * Refusal to participate