The Burden of COVID-19 Survivorship

The Burden of COVID-19 Survivorship: Exercise Therapy to Combat the Sequelae of COVID-19

This research study is being done to find out what the longer-term physiological consequences of COVID-19 are, and to determine if exercise therapy can help improve lung function, heart function and overall fitness, and reduce symptoms in people recovering from SARS-CoV-2.

The purpose of this research is to see if taking part in structured exercise training will improve the ability to exercise, the function of the lungs and the function of the heart, and reduce symptoms of fatigue and breathlessness in people recovering from COVID-19. After enrollment all patients will complete exercise testing, lung function testing, and cardiac imaging. Patients will be randomized to either 8 weeks of exercise training (4-5 times per week) or will continue standard medical care. All patients will undergo detailed exercise testing, lung function testing, and cardiac imaging after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 21 to 75 years.
• History of RT-PCR proven SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Deemed 'recovered' from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Not clinically obese (BMI ≥ 36) and/or suffer from musculoskeletal or other conditions that would limit exercise participation.
• No evidence of cardiac ischemia at rest or during exertion (via ECG).
• Able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals less than 21 or more than 75 years old.
• Not able to take part in structured exercise training due to injury or other conditions that would put person at risk during exercise.
• Unable to provide written informed consent.