Pulmonary Rehabilitation Post-COVID-19

University of Manitoba

Status: Completed

Conditions: COVID-19

Treatments: Other: Exercise program (virtual/remote)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05003271

HS25183(B2021:101)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The main objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and satisfaction of a remote interdisciplinary PR program delivered using two exercise approaches (video conference and self-directed) on the recovery of long-term post-COVD-19 outcomes. The specific aims were i) to evaluate the effect of each of the approaches on patients': 1) lung capacity, 2) dyspnea and fatigue, 3) exercise capacity, 4) physical function, 5) participation, and 5) HRQoL.

Full description

This pilot study used a two-arm randomized pre- and post-trial design to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and satisfaction of a remote interdisciplinary PR program, delivered using two exercise approaches (video conference and self-directed), on the recovery of long-term post-COVD-19 outcomes (≥ 3 months after infection). Group one (video conference): participants were asked to follow the exercise program with a small group of peers (2 groups/6 participants each) in a Zoom meeting 3 times a week/45 min each (including 5 min before and 10 min after the meeting for free talk-chat between the participants; e.g. questions and perceptions). The therapist organized and led the Zoom meetings to resolve general questions (e.g. equipment, platforms, etc.). Group two: participants were asked to follow the exercise program 3 times a week/30 min each while watching a pre-recorded video created by the research team and uploaded on YouTube. Patients were asked to wear the finger pulse oximeter at all times while exercising, so that they could control their pace while avoiding exceeding target values (HR and SpO2). They were also asked to record their HR and SpO2 values before and after participation in every session of the exercise program in a diary. All participants from both groups could contact the therapist at any time during the study if they had questions or concerns. They also received a follow-up phone call once a week from the therapist.

Enrollment: 14 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Post-COVID-19 ≥ 3 months after infection.
• Mild to severe persistent respiratory symptoms
• Access to a smart phone, tablet or computer, and home internet

Exclusion criteria

• History of neurological disease or mental illness
• Inability to ambulate independently without supervision
• Inability to complete basic tasks on a smart phone or tablet
• Did not return calls after the initial contact

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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14 participants in 2 patient groups

Small group zoom meeting

Experimental group

Description:

Group one: participants were asked to follow the exercise program with a small group of peers (2 groups/6 participants each) in a Zoom meeting 3 times a week/45 min each (including 5 min before and 10 min after the meeting for free talk-chat between the participants; e.g., questions, perceptions, etc.).

Treatment:

Other: Exercise program (virtual/remote)

YouTube pre-recorded video

Experimental group

Description:

Group two: participants were asked to follow the exercise program 3 times a week/30 min each while watching a pre-recorded YouTube video.

Treatment:

Other: Exercise program (virtual/remote)