Exercise Training for Long-Term COVID-19 Effects

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Obesity, Musculoskeletal conditions, Cardiac ischemia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 8 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether exercise therapy (also known as Exercise Training) can enhance lung and heart function, overall fitness, and reduce lingering symptoms in individuals who have had COVID-19. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive standard medical care, while the other will follow an 8-week home-based exercise program. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, are not clinically obese, and do not have heart issues detectable on an ECG (a heart test) may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased study, this trial provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the benefits of exercise therapy for post-COVID recovery.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that exercise training is safe for improving long-term COVID-19 effects?

Research has shown that exercise is generally safe for people recovering from COVID-19. It can improve heart and lung function and reduce symptoms in those with Long COVID. One study that analyzed results from various research supports using exercise to boost fitness and breathing ability.

Reports do not mention any serious side effects from exercise therapy in these studies, suggesting participants handle it well. However, as with any new activity, starting slowly and following advice from healthcare providers is important. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the exercise training for long-term COVID-19 effects because it offers a non-drug approach to managing symptoms that linger after the initial infection. Unlike standard care, which often involves medication and rest, this method empowers individuals to actively engage in their recovery through an eight-week home-based exercise program. This approach is particularly appealing as it may improve physical function and overall well-being without the side effects associated with medications. The potential for exercise to enhance recovery and quality of life in a manageable and accessible way is what makes this treatment stand out.

What evidence suggests that exercise training might be an effective treatment for long-term COVID-19 effects?

Research has shown that exercise can help people dealing with the long-term effects of COVID-19. In this trial, participants in the interventional group will undergo an 8-week home-based exercise training program. Studies have found that exercise aids breathing, reduces anxiety and depression, and improves overall fitness. Strong evidence supports that exercise can enhance heart and lung function in those with Long COVID. Additionally, exercise is generally beneficial and manageable for many recovering from the virus. Overall, these findings suggest that exercise could play an important role in recovery from Long COVID. ^{2 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Bryan Taylor, PhD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults aged 21-75 who have recovered from COVID-19, confirmed by RT-PCR test. Participants should not be clinically obese or have conditions limiting exercise. They must be free of heart issues during rest and exertion and able to consent in writing.

Inclusion Criteria

You have been declared as fully recovered from a SARS-CoV-2 infection.

You have had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection detected by RT-PCR test in the past.

You are between 21 and 75 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You are unable to participate in exercise training because of an injury or a condition that could make it risky for you to exercise.

You are younger than 21 or older than 75 years old.

Unable to provide written informed consent

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Baseline Assessment

Participants complete exercise testing, lung function testing, and cardiac imaging

1 week

Treatment

Participants undergo 8 weeks of exercise training or continue standard medical care

8 weeks

Post-Treatment Assessment

Participants undergo detailed exercise testing, lung function testing, and cardiac imaging after the intervention

1 week

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Exercise Training

Trial Overview The study aims to assess the long-term effects of COVID-19 on physical health and whether exercise training can improve lung and heart function, fitness levels, and reduce lingering symptoms in those recovering from the virus.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Interventional (exercise training) Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

8 week home-based exercise training

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Standard physician-guided medical care after COVID-19

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8004041/

Exercise Training and Cardiac Rehabilitation in COVID-19 ... Thus, performing respiratory rehabilitation in COVID-19 patients helps to ameliorate dyspnea, alleviate anxiety and depression, reduce ...

2. ahajournals.org ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001348

Exercise Intolerance and Response to Training in Patients ... The postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, also known as Long COVID, may affect 10% to 25% of individuals diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2.

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11931970/

a systematic review of randomised controlled trials - PMC Available evidence suggests that exercise interventions may be beneficial and tolerable among some people with long COVID.

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05566483

Study Details | NCT05566483 | Physiology of Long COVID- ... The primary objectives of this study are to establish exercise training as a novel intervention to treat Long COVID and characterize the cardiorespiratory and ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S258953702500344X

Effects of therapeutic interventions on long COVID: a meta- ... Exercise training should be prioritized for improving cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity in Long COVID, supported by high-certainty evidence.

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9821682/

Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19: The Potential Role of ... This review aims to summarise the current evidence about the PASC syndrome and the benefit of exercise in these patients and to provide a practical guide.

7. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05204511

Study Details | NCT05204511 | Exercise and Post-COVID ... The current study investigates the effects of two different training modalities, endurance training and a combination of endurance training and resistance ...

8. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2809670

Rehabilitation Interventions for Physical Capacity and ... Rehabilitation interventions demonstrated an association with improved outcomes in functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life, ...