Effects of a home-based exercise training program on the quality of life and health-related parameters of survivors of severe-to-critical COVID-19

• Grant number: 24/22058-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physical Education
• Principal Investigator: Hamilton Augusto Roschel da Silva
• Grantee: Igor Longobardi Amin
• Supervisor: Kenneth Smith
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FM). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University of Nottingham, University Park, England
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/13580-1 - Effects of home-based exercise training on quality of life and general health of severe COVID-19 survivors, BP.DD

Abstract

Background: survivors of severe-to-critical COVID-19 are more likely to experience physical impairments, exercise intolerance, and a higher prevalence of persistent symptoms, which negatively impact their quality of life after hospital discharge. Exercise training is considered a promising non-pharmacological therapy in rehabilitating these individuals. This study is a randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the effects of a home-based exercise training (HBET) program on the quality of life and health-related parameters of survivors of severe-to-critical COVID-19. Participants (both men and women) aged 45 or older, with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis by real-time RT-PCR, and who were admitted for treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) of the HC-FMUSP hospital complex will be considered eligible. Methods: fifty participants will be randomized into either an experimental group (HBET; home-based exercise training program plus standard of care; n=25) or a control group (CONTROL; standard of care only; n=25). Patients will be assessed before and after the 16-week intervention period in terms of: (1) quality of life; (2) cardiorespiratory fitness; (3) muscle strength and functional capacity; (4) body composition; (5) blood biochemical markers; (6) persistent symptoms (including fatigue severity and anxiety/depression symptoms); and (7) physical activity level. Assessments will be performed at baseline (PRE) and after 16 weeks of intervention (POST). Statistical analysis: a mixed model linear analysis with repeated measures will be used, and multiple comparisons will be performed using Tukey post-hoc adjustment whenever a significant F value is found. Data will be expressed as mean±standard deviation, in addition to estimated mean differences and 95% confidence interval, when appropriate. The results of categorical variables will be presented as frequency (percentage) and compared using Fisher's exact test or chi-square test, as appropriate. The primary analysis will be conducted in accordance with intention-to-treat principles, and the secondary, by complete case. Values of p¿0.05 will be considered statistically significant. This research project aims to investigate the effects of a HBET intervention on the quality of life, general health, and recovery of patients who have survived severe-to-critical COVID-19. The study's findings have the potential to offer new insights into clinical approaches for post-COVID-19 care.