Exercise for COVID-19 Recovery
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Background: People who are recovering from COVID-19 may continue to have problems that affect their daily life. For instance, they might feel overly tired. Researchers want to learn if exercise can help people recover after COVID-19 infection. Objective: To study if participation in a rehabilitation exercise program can help people recovering from COVID-19. Eligibility: Adults ages 18-80 with a lab-confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19), and are still having some symptoms. Design: Participants will have a medical history and physical exam. They will give blood and urine samples. They will have tests to measure heart and lung function. Their blood vessels will be assessed. Participants will have a computed tomography scan of the body. They will have an ultrasound of the muscles in their arms, legs, and chest. Participants will take a 6-minute walk test. They will take other balance and movement tests. Participants will walk on a treadmill while hooked up to a monitor. Then they will be interviewed. It will be audio-recorded. Participants will complete surveys about their symptoms and daily activities. Participants will take a smell test. For this, they will identify different smells. They will also have memory, attention, and mental functioning tests. Participants will wear an activity monitor on their wrist 24 hours a day. They will exercise 3 times a week for 10 weeks by moving vigorously on a track or treadmill for 30 minutes. They will attend education classes once a week for 10 weeks. Participants will be contacted by phone or email every 3 months for 1 year after they complete the exercise part of the study. They will wear an activity monitor for up to 2 weeks.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on medications that influence exercise performance, like beta blockers or antiretroviral therapy, you may be excluded from participating.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but it excludes people on medications that would influence exercise performance, like beta blockers or antiretroviral therapy. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
What data supports the idea that Exercise for COVID-19 Recovery is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that Exercise for COVID-19 Recovery, which includes aerobic exercise, is effective in improving the independence and mobility of patients recovering from severe COVID-19. In one study, patients who participated in aerobic exercise as part of their rehabilitation program showed greater improvements in their ability to perform daily activities and walk independently compared to those who did not. Another study demonstrated that a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which included aerobic exercises, significantly improved lung function in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, a case report highlighted that home-based exercise training led to significant improvements in physical condition, strength, and reduction of symptoms in a COVID-19 survivor. These findings suggest that exercise is a beneficial treatment for enhancing recovery in COVID-19 patients.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Aerobic Exercise Training, Rehabilitation Exercise Program, and Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) for COVID-19 recovery?
What safety data exists for exercise in COVID-19 recovery?
The studies reviewed focus on aerobic exercise training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which may provide insights into safety for COVID-19 recovery. Aerobic exercise is generally considered safe for COPD patients, even during hospitalization for exacerbations, as it improves respiratory and muscle strength, increases activity tolerance, and reduces dyspnea. Vital signs such as blood pressure and respiratory rate may increase during exercise, but these changes are within safe limits. Exercise is recommended to improve quality of life and physical capacity, with attention to oxygen saturation, heart rate, and subjective symptoms. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise could be safe and beneficial for COVID-19 recovery, but specific studies on COVID-19 patients are needed for definitive safety data.678910
Is aerobic exercise training generally safe for humans?
Research on aerobic exercise training, particularly in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), suggests it is generally safe. Studies show that it can be performed safely even in hospitalized patients, with careful monitoring of vital signs like blood pressure and oxygen levels.678910
Is Aerobic Exercise Training a promising treatment for COVID-19 recovery?
How does aerobic exercise training differ from other treatments for COVID-19 recovery?
Aerobic exercise training is unique for COVID-19 recovery as it focuses on improving physical fitness and mobility through structured exercise, which can enhance independence and quality of life. Unlike drug treatments, it involves physical activity to boost cardiovascular and respiratory health, making it a non-pharmacological option for rehabilitation.211121314
Research Team
Leighton Chan, M.D.
Principal Investigator
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Eligibility Criteria
Adults aged 18-80 who had COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms like fatigue or physical limitations can join. They must understand English or Spanish, agree to the study's procedures, and have confirmed past infection with lab tests. People with severe psychiatric issues, certain medical conditions, extreme obesity (BMI > 40), or on conflicting medications cannot participate.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants undergo medical history, physical exam, and various tests including heart and lung function, blood vessel assessment, and muscle ultrasound
Treatment
Participants engage in aerobic exercise training and education for 10 weeks, with assessments of physical function and health-related quality of life
Crossover Treatment
Participants in the control group crossover to perform aerobic exercise training for 10 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for free-living physical activity, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life every 3 months for 1 year
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Aerobic Exercise Training
- Education
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)
Lead Sponsor