Profile of Cardiopulmonary Fitness Across Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Confinement in a Cohort of Young Adults

ABSTRACT Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), significantly impacts the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. Cardiopulmonary fitness (CPF), indicated by VO2 max, is essential for youth health. Reduced physical activity during the pandemic may have affected CPF. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 confinement on CPF by comparing pre- and post-COVID-19 values of VO2 max and HRV in young adults. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Sports Physiology laboratory of a rural medical college. Thirty-five volunteers aged 18-25 years with documented prior COVID-19 infection, symptom-free for over 6 weeks, participated. VO2 max was estimated using a motorized treadmill (Modified Bruce protocol), and HRV was recorded using a Wireless Heart Rate Kit. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: The study included 20 males (53.33) and 15 females (42.85), with a mean age of 20.29 ± 1.40 years. VO2 max significantly decreased post COVID-19 (P = 0.0013). HRV indices also showed significant changes, with notable decreases in SDNN and RMSSD. Conclusion: The significant decrease in VO2 max and changes in HRV indices emphasize the need for strategies to promote physical activity and monitor autonomic function post pandemic. Keywords: Cardiopulmonary fitness, COVID-19, HRV, VO2 max, young adults