Effects of a 16-week home-based exercise training programme on health-related quality of life, functional capacity, and persistent symptoms in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19: a randomised controlled trial
RCT 50 post-severe/critical COVID-19 patients in Brazil, showing improved health-related quality of life with an exercise program (3 times a week, ~60–80 minutes/session, for 16 weeks).
Longobardi et al., 10 May 2023, Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial, Brazil, peer-reviewed, 12 authors, study period November 2020 - April 2022, trial
NCT04615052 (history).
Contact:
hars@usp.b.
Abstract: Original research
Igor Longobardi ,1 Karla Goessler,1 Gersiel Nascimento de Oliveira Júnior,1
Danilo Marcelo Leite do Prado,1 Jhonnatan Vasconcelos Pereira Santos,1
Matheus Molina Meletti,1 Danieli Castro Oliveira de Andrade,2 Saulo Gil ,1
João Antonio Spott de Oliveira Boza,1 Fernanda Rodrigues Lima,2
Bruno Gualano ,1,2 Hamilton Roschel 1,2
► Additional supplemental
material is published online
only. To view, please visit the
journal online (http://d x.doi.
org/1 0.1136/b jsports-2022-
106681).
1
Applied Physiology and
Nutrition Research Group,
School of Physical Education
and Sport, School of Medicine,
University of Sao Paulo, SP,
Brazil
2
Rheumatology Division,
Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP,
Faculdade de Medicina,
Universidade de Sao Paulo, SP,
Brazil
Correspondence to
Professor Hamilton Roschel,
Applied Physiology and
Nutrition Research Group,
School of Physical Education
and Sport, School of Medicine,
University of Sao Paulo, 01246-
903, SP, Brazil; hars@usp.b r
Accepted 8 April 2023
© Author(s) (or their
employer(s)) 2023. No
commercial re-use. See rights
and permissions. Published
by BMJ.
To cite: Longobardi I,
Goessler K, de Oliveira
Júnior GN, et al.
Br J Sports Med Epub ahead
of print: [please include Day
Month Year]. doi:10.1136/
bjsports-2022-106681
ABSTRACT
Background Long-lasting effects of COVID-19 may
include cardiovascular, respiratory, skeletal muscle, metabolic,
psychological disorders and persistent symptoms that can
impair health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We investigated
the effects of a home-based exercise training (HBET)
programme on HRQoL and health-related outcomes in
survivors of severe/critical COVID-19.
Methods This was a single-centre, single-blinded, parallel-
group, randomised controlled trial. Fifty survivors of severe/
critical COVID-19 (5±1 months after intensive care unit
discharge) were randomly allocated (1:1) to either a 3 times a
week (~60–80 min/session), semi-supervised, individualised,
HBET programme or standard of care (CONTROL). Changes
in HRQoL were evaluated through the 36-Item Short-Form
Health Survey, and physical component summary was
predetermined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes
included cardiorespiratory fitness, pulmonary function,
functional capacity, body composition and persistent
symptoms. Assessments were performed at baseline and
after 16 weeks of intervention. Statistical analysis followed
intention-to-treat principles.
Results After the intervention, HBET showed greater HRQoL
score than CONTROL in the physical component summary
(estimated mean difference, EMD: 16.8 points; 95% CI 5.8
to 27.9; effect size, ES: 0.74), physical functioning (EMD:
22.5 points, 95% CI 6.1 to 42.9, ES: 0.83), general health
(EMD: 17.4 points, 95% CI 1.8 to 33.1, ES: 0.73) and vitality
(EMD: 15.1 points, 95% CI 0.2 to 30.1, ES: 0.49) domains.
30-second sit-to-stand (EMD: 2.38 reps, 95% CI 0.01 to
4.76, ES: 0.86), and muscle weakness and myalgia were also
improved in HBET compared with CONTROL (p<0.05). No
significant differences were seen in the remaining variables.
There were no adverse events.
Conclusion HBET is an effective and safe intervention to
improve physical domains of HRQoL, functional capacity and
persistent symptoms in survivors of severe/critical COVID-19.
Trial registration number NCT04615052.
Late treatment
is less effective
Please send us corrections, updates, or comments. Vaccines and
treatments are complementary. All practical, effective, and safe means should
be used based on risk/benefit analysis. No treatment, vaccine, or intervention
is 100% available and effective for all current and future variants. We do not
provide medical advice. Before taking any medication, consult a qualified
physician who can provide personalized advice and details of risks and
benefits based on your medical history and situation.
FLCCC and
WCH
provide treatment protocols.
Submit