Aerobic exercise for patients recovering from COVID-19

Effects of High-Intensity Interval Aerobic Exercise Training on Oxygen Consumption Muscle Oxygenation and Physical Activity Level in Patients With Post COVID-19

NA · Gazi University · NCT05231408

This study is testing whether high-intensity aerobic exercise can help people who have recovered from COVID-19 improve their breathing, fitness, and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorGazi University (other)
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT05231408 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of high-intensity interval aerobic exercise training on patients who have recovered from COVID-19. It aims to assess improvements in oxygen consumption, muscle oxygenation, physical activity levels, pulmonary function, and overall quality of life. The study will include 30 participants, divided into a training group and a control group, with assessments conducted before and after an eight-week training period. The primary outcome will be measured through a cardiopulmonary exercise test, while secondary outcomes will include various physical and respiratory assessments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and have tested negative for the virus.

Not a fit: Patients with significant comorbidities or contraindications to exercise, such as severe obesity or cardiovascular diseases, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance recovery and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from post-COVID-19 complications.

How similar studies have performed: While similar exercise interventions have shown success in other respiratory conditions, this specific approach in post-COVID-19 patients is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* aged between 18-75 years
* diagnosed with COVID-19 before
* patients whose COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction test turned negative or be negative already
* patients who are willing to participate in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients with

* body mass index \>35 kg/m2
* cancer, renal or hepatic diseases
* aortic stenosis, complex arrhythmia, aortic aneurysm
* serious neurological, neuromuscular, orthopedic, other systemic diseases or other diseases affecting physical functions
* uncontrolled hypertension and/or diabetes mellitus, heart failure and cardiovascular disease
* acute pulmonary exacerbation, acute upper or lower respiratory tract infection
* cognitive impairment that causes difficulty in understanding and following exercise test instructions
* bulla formation in the lung
* participated in a planned exercise program in the last three months
* contraindication for exercise testing and/or exercise training according to the American College of Sports Medicine

Where this trial is running

Ankara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: COVID-19, aerobic exercise training, muscle oxygenation, oxygen consumption, physical activity

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.