Home-Based Respiratory Muscle Strength Training Program for Individuals With Post-COVID-19 Persistent Dyspnea

Home-Based Respiratory Muscle Strength Training Program for Individuals With Post-COVID-19 Persistent Dyspnea

To evaluate the extent to which a 12-week respiratory rehabilitation program consisting of inspiratory and expiratory breathing exercises compared to expiratory breathing exercises alone will help to improve shortness of breath, respiratory symptoms, breathing function, distance walked, and quality of life in those who are experiencing persistent shortness of breath after having had COVID-19. Measurements will take place at the beginning, 6 weeks, and at 12 weeks in the study.

To evaluate the extent to which a 12-week respiratory rehabilitation program consisting of inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength training exercises as compared to a prior study of expiratory muscle strength training alone is effective in improving dyspnea, respiratory symptoms, quantitative measures of pulmonary function, physical performance, and quality of life in individuals reporting persistent dyspnea post-COVID-19 at baseline, six and twelve weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported history of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in the past.
• Able to walk independently
• Cognitively intact
• English-speaking
• Dyspnea at rest or with activity rated at 3 or greater on the Dyspnea on Exertion scale.
• May use oxygen.
• May be taking medications.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who are wheelchair bound or who cannot walk independently.
• Individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 who self-report that they received mechanical ventilation during hospitalization.