This current protocol encompasses an investigator-blinded randomized exercise intervention in 10 COVID-19 survivors that have been discharged from hospital. The subjects will be randomized to perform three different exercise training protocols in a random order. The aim is to clarify the feasibility and safety of three training protocols in COVID-19 survivors. The hypothesis is that patients surviving COVID-19 will be able to comply to all training protocols.
The study is a randomized crossover trial testing the feasibility and safety of three
different training protocols in 10 COVID-19 survivors that have been discharged from
hospital. The subjects will be randomized to perform three different exercise training
protocols in a random order.
The aim is to clarify the feasibility and safety of three training protocols in COVID-19
survivors. The hypothesis is that patients surviving COVID-19 will be able to comply to all
training protocols.
The study consists of 4 visits with 1 baseline session (a medical screening and fitness test)
and 3 different training sessions. Each training is separated by 1-week washout, to account
for potential confounding by leisure activity performed just before the training, patients
will be wearing activity watches (Polar).
Feasibility and safety evaluation will be based on 1) how tolerable and enjoyable the
training was based on a subjective questionnaire (Likert Scale) 2) compliance to the
prescribed exercise protocol with regard to duration and intensity and 3) experienced side
effects.
Behavioral: Exercise training
Feasibility and safety of 3 different training protocols will be tested. Therefore the intervention is three different exercise protocols (4X4, 6X1, and 10-20-30). The exercise workload is set according to the patients HRmax or wattmax from a VO2max test at the baseline testing. All training protocols have a duration of 38 minutes and start with a 10-minute warm up and a 3-7-minute cool-down period. The intervals in the training protocols are interspersed with a 3-minute active rest. Therefore the three exercise protocols are matched on duration, and they all fall within the category of high-intensity-interval training.
The accumulated time spend with a heart rate >85% of HR max will be evaluated to determine the intensity.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age ≥ 40 years
- A laboratory-confirmed initial positive test followed by one negative tests of severe
acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ≤ 6 months after hospital
discharge
- ≤10 L oxygen requirement during hospitalization
Exclusion Criteria:
- Present atrial fibrillation
- Diagnosed with acute myocarditis
- Health conditions that prevent participating in the exercise intervention
- Patients who cannot undergo MR scans (e.g. kidney disease or metallic implants)
- Treatment with IL-6 receptor antagonists (tocilizumab, kevzara) within the last month
due to drug interference with the cardiopulmonary exercise adaptations.
Rigshospitalet
Copenhagen, Denmark
Regitse Christensen, MD PhD, Principal Investigator
Center for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet