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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
25
Devices provided to each participant. Resistance loading set at less than 50% of the peak inspiratory and peak expiratory flow rate.
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States
Modified Medical Research Council Scale
Scale of 0-4 with 4 being the most severe dyspnea.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-week measurements
COPD Assessment Test
8-item questionnaire with a semantic, 6-point differential scale for each item. Scores range from 0-40 with higher scores indicating more severe respiratory symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-week measurements.
Forced Expiratory Volume over 1 second (FEV1)
Using the Microlife Digital Peak Flow and FEV1 Meter (Clearwater, FL).
Time frame: Baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-week measurements
Peak Inspiratory Flow
Using the In-Check Peak Inspiratory Flow meter (Granbury, TX).
Time frame: Baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-week measurements.
Thoracic Expansion Measures
Gulick tape measure positioned around the participant's chest at the 4th intercostal space. Participant breathes in and out as far as possible and the difference between the 2 values equals thoracic expansion.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-week measurements
Physical Capacity
6 Minute Walk Test following the American Thoracic Society Procedure: 50-meter distance is marked. Participant walks as quickly as possible for 6 minutes. Results recorded in meters. Vital signs and oxygen saturation monitored and recorded.
Time frame: Baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-week measurements.
EuroQoL-5 Dimension-5 Level
EuroQoL-5 Dimension-5 Level to evaluate 5 dimensions of quality of life including mobility, self-care, usual activities, discomfort and pain, anxiety, and depression. Each is scored using a 5-point semantic scale.
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Time frame: Baseline, 6-weeks, and 12-week measurements.
Feasibility and Acceptability of the Intervention
Recruitment and retention rates. 5-item questionnaire asking participants about the exercise protocol.
Time frame: 12-weeks.