Cardiac Rehabilitation for Post-COVID Syndrome

(CARE BEAR-LC Trial)

Overseen By Matthew S Durstenfeld, MD MAS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

No Placebo Group

Approved in 2 Jurisdictions

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing if cardiac rehabilitation can help people with Long COVID improve their exercise ability and heart function. The program includes exercise training and health education to support heart health and overall well-being.

Research Team

Matthew S Durstenfeld, MD MAS

Principal Investigator

University of California, San Francisco

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who've had COVID-19 and are now experiencing Long COVID symptoms like reduced exercise capacity and heart rate response. They must have had a positive test for the virus, be able to attend cardiac rehab sessions, and not be pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study. People with severe heart conditions, certain arrhythmias, on specific heart medications, or with severe post-exertional malaise cannot participate.

Inclusion Criteria

You have a low exercise capacity and your heart rate doesn't increase enough during a physical test. If it's hard to find enough people for the study, they may include individuals with slightly better exercise capacity.

I have had a confirmed case of COVID-19.

I have had COVID-19 symptoms for more than 90 days.

Exclusion Criteria

I need home oxygen therapy for my chronic lung condition.

I was diagnosed with acute myocarditis less than 3 months ago.

I get significantly worse after physical activity, preventing me from participating in heart rehab.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cardiac Rehabilitation (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The trial tests if cardiac rehabilitation can improve exercise ability and heart rate responses in Long COVID patients. Participants will undergo cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to measure changes in peak oxygen intake (VO2), symptom severity including autonomic symptoms, anxiety, depression levels, endothelial function, and satisfaction with treatment.

Participant Groups

Group I: Cardiac Rehabilitation Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will undergo 12 weeks of standard of care cardiac rehabilitation.

Group II: Control Arm Active Control 1 Intervention

No intervention control group

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,636

Recruited

19,080,000+