Home-based exercise program for Veterans recovering from COVID-19

Home-Based Exercise Tele-Rehabilitation in High-Risk Veterans: Impact of COVID-19 Exposure and Socioeconomic Factors

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05425264

This study tests whether a home-based exercise program can help Veterans who have recovered from COVID-19 improve their heart and lung health and physical abilities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Baltimore, Maryland)
Trial IDNCT05425264 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This program investigates the effects of a home-based, supervised group exercise tele-rehabilitation on Veterans who have recovered from COVID-19. It aims to address the lasting impacts of the virus on cardiopulmonary health and physical function, particularly in older Veterans with comorbidities. Utilizing VA Video Connect, the study will deliver exercise sessions remotely, allowing participants to engage in rehabilitation safely from their homes. The research will also explore healthcare disparities related to COVID-19 and their effects on functional decline.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans who have documented COVID-19 infection more than 90 days ago and have specific comorbid conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with recent myocardial infarction, severe heart failure, or other serious health conditions may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the physical function and quality of life for Veterans recovering from COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in tele-rehabilitation approaches for improving health outcomes, making this a potentially effective intervention.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Veteran
* documented COVID-19 \> 90 days ago
* diagnosis of 2 of following conditions: hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease OR 1 condition and BMI \> 30 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* myocardial infarction (within 3 months)
* exertional or unstable angina (chest pain that limits activity)
* severe congestive heart failure (EF \< 20% in last year or NYHA Classification III or IV)
* uncontrolled hypertension (SBP \>180 \&/or DBP \> 110 mm Hg at screening)
* screening EKG with ischemia, complex arrhythmia, or high-grade block (per Minnesota Code)
* poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (FBS\>200 mg/dl, RBS \> 299 mg/dl, or HbA1C \> 10)
* treatment for cancer except skin cancer (within 3 months)
* peripheral vascular disease with claudication
* severe arthritis limiting ambulation
* neurologic disease limiting ambulation (weakness requiring assist device; severe neuropathy)
* end stage liver disease (decompensated liver disease)
* End stage renal failure (dialysis)
* severe pulmonary disease (home O2, admission for dyspnea or pneumonia within 1 month)
* high fall risk (history of falls, bone fracture)
* dementia (based on Evaluation to Consent)
* signs or symptoms of any medical comorbidity that would preclude exercise testing or training
* exercises on routine basis (structured aerobic exercise \> 3 time per week)

Where this trial is running

Baltimore, Maryland

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 Post SARS-CoV2ExerciseCOVID-19Cardiopulmonary
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.