Publication date: Dec 02, 2025
Background/Objectives: A subset of individuals develops persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection, including musculoskeletal (MSK) manifestations, a condition known as long COVID (LC). Emerging hypotheses suggest that chronic low-grade inflammation in LC may impair bone metabolism and compromise joint health. However, empirical evidence is limited, and the impact of LC on MSK health, particularly bone and joint integrity, is poorly understood. To determine the influence of LC on MSK function, including bone health, body composition, and joint integrity. Methods: A 12-month longitudinal prospective cohort feasibility study was conducted involving 45 adults with LC and 40 well-recovered (WR) post-COVID-19 controls. Baseline and follow-up assessments included dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for bone mineral density (BMD) and total body composition (TBC), alongside ultrasound of the hand and knee joints to evaluate intra-articular changes. Results: The LC group had more fat in the gynoid, android, and leg regions at each assessment point compared to the controls (p
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| Android | bone mineral density |
| Bone | bone turnover markers |
| Months | dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry |
| Overtime | joint health |
| Ultrasound | long COVID |
| total body composition | |
| ultrasound |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | Long COVID |
| disease | MESH | SARS-CoV-2 infection |
| pathway | REACTOME | SARS-CoV-2 Infection |
| disease | MESH | inflammation |
| pathway | REACTOME | Metabolism |
| disease | MESH | included |
| disease | MESH | BMD |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Methyltestosterone |
| disease | MESH | synovial hypertrophy |