Impaired microvascular reactivity in post-COVID-19 syndrome is independent of cardiorespiratory fitness

American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Franca Thiel, ROGERIO NOGUEIRA SOARES, Raphael Simon Peter, Siri Göpel, Alexandra Nieters, Dietrich Rothenbacher, Winfried V. Kern, Andreas Michael Niess, Felipe Mattioni Maturana
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00050.2026
Cited by: 1
References: 45

Abstract

We provide objective evidence that skeletal muscle microvascular reactivity is significantly impaired in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) compared with recovered controls. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, we demonstrate that this blunted microvascular reperfusion persists even after adjusting for maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o 2max ). These findings suggest that microvascular dysfunction is a distinct pathophysiological feature of PCS that may contribute to exercise intolerance and fatigue, independent of physical deconditioning.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 Exercise and Physiological Responses Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology
Publisher
American Physiological Society
Volume
330
Issue
6
Pages
R664–R672
Publication date
14 May 2026
Language
EN