Persistent Exertional Dyspnea and Perceived Exercise Intolerance After Mild COVID-19: A Critical Role for Breathing Dysregulation?

Objective: After mild COVID-19, a subgroup of patients reported post-acute-phase sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) in which exertional dyspnea and perceived exercise intolerance were common. Underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes from cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in these patients.