Feasibility and Safety of High-intensity Exercise Training in Patients Surviving COVID-19

Investigator-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Examining the Safety and Feasibility of Different Exercise Training Programs in Patients Who Have Survived COVID-19

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.

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.