Fat oxidation rates and cardiorespiratory responses during exercise in different subject populations with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a comparison with normative percentile values

INTRODUCTION: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) presents a spectrum of symptoms following acute COVID-19, with exercise intolerance being a prevalent manifestation likely linked to disrupted oxygen metabolism and mitochondrial function. This study aims to assess maximal fat oxidation (MFO) and exercise intensity at MFO (FATmax) in distinct PASC subject groups and compare these findings with normative data.

METHODS: Eight male subjects with PASC were involved in this study. The participants were divided in two groups: “endurance-trained” subjects (V̇O₂max > 55 ml/min/kg) and “recreationally-active” subjects (V̇O₂max < 55 ml/min/kg). Each subject performed a graded exercise test until maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O₂max) to measure fat oxidation. Subsequently, MFO was assessed and FATmax calculated as the ratio between V̇O₂ at MFO and V̇O₂max.

RESULTS: The MFO and FATmax of “endurance-trained” subjects were 0.85, 0.89, 0.71 and 0.42, and 68%, 69%, 64% and 53%, respectively. Three out of four subjects showed both MFO and FATmax values placed over the 80^th percentile of normative data. The MFO and FATmax of “recreationally-active” subjects were 0.34, 0.27, 0.35 and 0.38, and 47%, 39%, 43% and 41%, respectively. All MFO and FATmax values of those subjects placed below the 20^th percentile or between the 20^th and 40^th percentile.

DISCUSSION: Significant differences in MFO and FATmax values between 'endurance-trained' and “recreationally-active” subjects suggest that specific endurance training, rather than simply an active lifestyle, may provide protective effects against alterations in mitochondrial function during exercise in subjects with PASC.