Midterm Effects of SARS-CoV-2 on Respiratory Function in Judokas With and Without Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction: A Retrospective Study.

Objectives: The clinical consequences of coronavirus infection in elite judokas with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) are unclear. We aimed to determine potential respiratory function abnormalities and recovery in athletes with and without EIB after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Türkiye Olympic Preparation Centre.

Participants: This retrospective study analyzed data collected from 25 consecutive elite judokas diagnosed with and without EIB and SARS-CoV-2 infection, routinely followed at an Olympic Sports Center between September 2020 and 2021.

Independent variables: Respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function data were collected before and up to 90 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main outcome measures: Measurements included maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC ratio, and peak expiratory flow (PEF).

Results: Infected athletes with EIB had more markedly reduced respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function than those without EIB. Maximal inspiratory pressure was decreased by 14% and MEP by 8% from baseline in infected athletes with EIB during follow-up. Likewise, FEV1 and FVC decreased by 4%. Maximal inspiratory pressure, MEP, FEV1, and FVC remained abnormal after 90 days of SARS-CoV-2 infection in EIB athletes but normalized rapidly in non-EIB athletes. Peak expiratory flow seemed unaffected during follow-up. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction severity was moderately correlated with the maximum fall in MEP during follow-up.

Conclusions: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection notably decreases respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in judokas, especially those with pre-existing EIB, thereby prolonging spontaneous recovery time.