Long COVID-19 is defined as signs, symptoms and conditions that develop after initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Two million people in the UK in private households are currently experiencing self-reported long COVID, of which 61% of these people have been living with symptoms for more than a year. (Office for National Statistics, 2023).

There have been over fifty different symptoms attributed to long COVID. The most commonly presented symptom is fatigue (Aiyegbusi et al., 2021). Fatigue can cause behavioural changes, resulting in increased sedentary time. This can have an adverse effect on vascular function, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Natelson, Brunjes and Mancini, 2021). Sitting for periods as little as an hour can worsen vascular function (Taylor et al., 2022). Interrupting this period with short bouts of movement has been shown to mitigate the negative effect on vascular health (Paterson et al., 2020). The mechanisms which cause Long COVID are still mainly undetermined, however, it is evident that physical exertion, cognitive effort, and stress can lead to relapses which result in worsened symptoms for hours up to months in Long COVID populations. This study used questionnaires (DePaul Symptom Questionnaire Post-Exertional Malaise) and telephone conversations to ensure that participants felt they were able to undertake the activity outlined and to ensure they were not suffering from irregular post-exertional malaise (PEM) following involvement. Ethical approval was obtained by Health and Care Research Wales (IRAS: 309606 22/SC/0120).

This study aimed to investigate whether interrupting continuous sitting in people with Long COVID with movement could prevent the decline in vascular health. Inclusion criteria required a clinical diagnosis of Long COVID. Activities chosen represent  movements that would occur during daily living. Interruption includes three bouts of five sit-to-stands, five calf raises, and three minutes of self-paced walking.  Measures of central and peripheral blood pressure, arterial stiffness (SphygmCor XCEL), executive function (TrailMaking Tasks), and cerebral oxygenation (Near Infrared Spectroscopy) were recorded at baseline, during, and following two hours of interrupted or uninterrupted sitting.

This study is currently still collecting data. To date, one participant with Long COVID has fully completed the testing procedure. Six additional participants have begun testing (59.25 ± 13.84 years, symptoms lasting >12 months), and three are scheduled to be familiarised and completed in the coming month, with more than 14 others expressing interest, with initial contact made. Preliminary results demonstrate an observed, yet insignificant increase in seated pulse wave velocity from baseline, 0.4 ± 0.14m/s (uninterrupted) and 0.6 ± 0.24m/s (interrupted).

This research could provide rationale for future policies at a government level and advice from a GP surgery to be centred towards reducing the length people with Long COVID are sitting for continuously, to mitigate any detrimental impact on their vascular health. Additionally, results with respect to cognition and cerebral oxygenation may provide a rationale for people with Long COVID, including those still having to work while symptomatic, engaging in cognitively stimulating tasks following light physical activity i.e. making a cup of tea.