Long COVID and exercise: hope or mirage?

Published on April 23, 2026 | Translated from Spanish

A study by Colin Berry suggests that resistance training could alleviate symptoms of long COVID, although the results do not reach clinical relevance. Experts such as Caroline Dalton and David Tuller question the robustness of the evidence, sparking debate over whether this accessible option is valid for all patients or only for a small group.

A person running on a treadmill, with shadows of doubt; in the background, blurry medical charts and a question mark.

The mechanics behind the hypothesis 🏋️

The study analyzed biomarkers and aerobic capacity in patients with persistent fatigue, suggesting that exercise could modulate mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the sample was small and the effects modest. The scientific community urges caution: generalizing these findings could lead to prescribing inappropriate routines for those suffering from exercise intolerance, a common symptom in this condition.

Science advances, but the body doesn't always agree 😅

So, lifting weights could be the cure. Or not. It depends on the day, the patient, and whether the moon is in its first quarter. While experts debate whether the data is solid or just a mirage, those affected wonder if getting off the couch counts as resistance training. The answer: only if you don't crash before reaching the fridge.