Low Versus Moderate-intensity Aerobic Training in Post-discharge COVID-19 Subjects

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The main purpose of this study is to compare the impact of low versus moderate-intensity aerobic training in post-COVID 19 older subjects. On exercise adherence and changes in physical fitness, psychological status, and quality of life after a 10-week intervention.

Official Title
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A Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Impact of Low Versus Moderate-intensity Aerobic Training in Post-discharge COVID-19 Older Subjects

Conditions
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COVID-19, Aerobic Exercises, Elderly

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: aerobic exercise


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Age range of 60 - 80 years with diagnosis of post-COVID-19 Exclusion Criteria: • History of lower limb surgeries, fractures Cardiac problems Respiratory problems Neurological problems Systemic problems and any other contraindications for aerobic training

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 60 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: moderate intensity aerobic training<br>The exercises were conducted at a heart rate of 50-70% of maximum heart rate for 30 minutes. Exercises were included strengthening muscles groups (shoulder flexors, extensors, abductor's muscles, hip flexors, extensor muscles, knee flexors, extensor muscles, abdominal muscles, and back muscles). | Other: aerobic exercise<br>* participants will perform different dosage of the same intervention, one group will perform moderate intensity and the other will perform low intensity aerobic training<br>|
| Experimental: low intensity aerobic training<br>Exercises were performed at 40-50% of the maximum heart rate Starting by 15 minutes of Warm-up time included static stretching of upper and lower body muscles. After that, participants performed 30 minutes of low-intensity aerobic training exercises, which included 20 minutes on the treadmill, followed by 10 minutes of cooling down. A set of 5-10 exercises was performed by each muscle group, three sets per exercise were performed, and 10-15 repetitions per series were performed 4 days per week | Other: aerobic exercise<br>* participants will perform different dosage of the same intervention, one group will perform moderate intensity and the other will perform low intensity aerobic training<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Distance walked in the 6-min walk test (6 MWT) | The 6-min walk test (6 MWT) measures the distance that a patient can quickly walk on a flat, hard surface in a period of 6 minutes (the 6MWD). (ATS Statement: Guidelines for the Six-Minute Walk Test, Am J Respir Crit Care Med, 2002) | 8 weeks | 
| Post-Covid Functional Scale (PCFS) | This scale measures the functional state and Independence of patients after COVID-19 infection. The scale includes two items scored from 0-4 and 0-5. A high value indicates more restrictions in function and independence during daily life. | 8 weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Number of repetitions performed in a 1-min Sit-to-Stand (STS) test | All 1-min STS tests are performed according to a standardized protocol by trained study staff. A standard chair is used with a flat seat and no armrests, stabilized against a wall. Patients are asked to sit with their legs hip-width apart and flexed to 90°, with their hands stationary on the hips. | 8 weeks | 
| 2. Anxiety and Depression evaluated by the HAMLITON ScAnxiety and Depressionale (HADS) | Anxiety and Depression evaluated by the HAMLITON ScAnxiety and Depressionale (HADS) | 8 weeks | 
| Quality of life SF-36 | The SF-36 SF was used to evaluate self-reported domains of health status. This questionnaire consists of 36 items compiled into 8 scalesThe SF-36 questionnaire was used to evaluate self-reported domains of health status (Ware and Sherbourne, 1992). This questionnaire consists of 36 items compiled into 8 scales: physical functioning (PF), role functioning/physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social funct | 8 weeks |