BODY MASS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN AUTONOMIC FUNCTION MODULATION ON POST-COVID-19 CONDITION: AN OBSERVATIONAL SUBANALYSIS OF FIT-COVID STUDY

The harmful effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can reach the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and endothelial function. Therefore, the detrimental multiorgan effects of COVID-19 could be induced by deregulations in ANS that may persist after the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, investigating the differences in ANS response in overweight/obese, and physically inactive participants who had COVID-19 compared to those who did not have the disease is necessary. The aim of the study was to analyze the autonomic function of young adults after mild-to-moderate infection with COVID-19 and to assess whether body mass index (BMI) and levels of physical activity modulates autonomic function in participants with and without COVID-19. Patients previously infected with COVID-19 and healthy controls were recruited for this cross-sectional observational study.