Assessing cardiopulmonary fitness levels in COVID-19 survivors

Comparison of Cardiopulmonary Fitness Level With Normal Values After COVID-19 and Investigation of Factors Affecting Physical Capacity

Observational Ankara University · NCT04753346

This study is trying to see how COVID-19 affects the fitness levels of people who have recovered from the virus by testing their exercise capacity and heart and lung function.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment240 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnkara University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT04753346 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the cardiopulmonary fitness levels of patients who have recovered from COVID-19, comparing their results to established normal values. Participants will undergo a series of tests, including cardiopulmonary exercise tests and 6-minute walk tests, to assess their exercise capacity and overall respiratory and cardiac function. The study will also explore how factors such as age, gender, physical activity levels, and disease severity relate to changes in fitness levels post-COVID-19. By identifying these changes, the research seeks to provide insights into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on physical health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are at least 30 days post-recovery.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, or those unable to perform the required tests, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify the extent of cardiopulmonary impairment in COVID-19 survivors, leading to better rehabilitation strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that assessing cardiopulmonary fitness in post-viral patients can reveal significant long-term health impacts, suggesting this approach is both relevant and necessary.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of SARS-Cov2 with a positive result of reverse polymerase-transcriptase chain reaction test
* It must have been at least 30 days after symptoms of COVID-19 improved.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 5 days after acute myocardial infarction
* Unstable angina
* Active endocarditis, myocarditis or pericarditis
* Symptomatic severe aortic stenosis
* Uncontrolled heart failure
* Acute pulmonary embolus, pulmonary infarction or thrombosis of lower extremities
* Suspected dissecting aneurysm
* Uncontrolled asthma
* Room air desaturation at rest (O2 ⩽85%)
* Respiratory failure
* Acute non-cardiopulmonary disorder that may affect exercise performance or be aggravated by exercise
* Mental impairment
* Severe untreated arterial hypertension at rest (\>200 mm Hg systolic, \>120 mm Hg diastolic)
* High-degree atrioventricular block
* Orthopaedic, neurological or systemic impairments that leading to inability to perform test

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.
Conditions COVID 19Cardiopulmonary exercise testExercise capacity6 minute walk test
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.