Abstract Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions globally, with persistent impacts extending beyond the acute phase. One such effect is post-COVID (long COVID), characterized by symptoms such as fatigue and exercise intolerance lasting more than 60 days. Although regular exercise is associated with reduced risk of severe outcomes, reports of decreased athletic performance after COVID-19 — even among highly active individuals (HAIs) — have raised concerns regarding the long-term effects on physical health. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a […]