Mobile health program for rehabilitation after COVID-19

REmotely Monitored, Mobile Health Supported Multidomain Rehabilitation Program With High Intensity Interval Training for COVID-19

Not applicable Interventional Duke University · NCT05218083

This study is testing a mobile health program that uses high intensity exercise to help 120 patients recover better after being seriously ill with COVID-19.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05218083 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to provide mobile health-supported physical rehabilitation to 120 patients who have been critically ill with COVID-19. The program utilizes high intensity interval training (HIIT) to enhance recovery after hospital discharge. It evaluates clinical, physiological, and patient-centered outcomes associated with this remotely monitored rehabilitation approach. Participants must complete at least one exercise session to be included in the study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who were hospitalized due to COVID-19 and are able to ambulate with or without assistance prior to discharge.

Not a fit: Patients who have significant functional impairments preventing them from exercising or those with recent acute cardiac events may not benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the functional recovery and overall health of COVID-19 survivors after hospital discharge.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health technologies for rehabilitation, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Primary diagnosis of COVID-19 requiring hospital admission
* Discharged or expected to be discharged directly home from the hospital (not to a skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehabilitation center, or long-term acute care hospital)
* Able to ambulate with or without a gait aid prior to hospital discharge
* Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Hospital discharge \> 60 days unless readmitted to hospital in first 30 days, then 60 day window restarts and new exclusion is last hospital discharge \> 60 days
* Not ambulating independently prior to COVID-19 illness (use of a gait aid permitted)
* Functional impairment resulting in inability to exercise at baseline
* Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study requirements or unable or unwilling to follow coaching via mobile-health iPhone interaction
* Any absolute contraindications to exercise, including but not limited to:

  * Recent (\< 5 days) acute primary cardiac event
  * Unstable Angina
  * Uncontrolled dysrhythmias causing symptoms or hemodynamic compromise
  * Uncontrolled hypertension over 255 mmHg Systolic or 155 diastolic blood pressure
  * Symptomatic aortic stenosis
  * Uncontrolled symptomatic heart failure
  * Acute myocarditis or pericarditis
  * Suspected or known dissecting aneurysm
* Any adverse changes during GXT (i.e., persistent oxygen saturation drop below 88% while on prescribed oxygen therapy or significant hypotension such as mean arterial blood pressure \< 60 mmHg on 2 consecutive readings within 1 minute)
* High risk for non-adherence as determined by screening evaluation
* Any condition, including cognitive impairment, that, in the judgment of the investigator, precludes participation because it could affect subject safety or ability of subject to complete the study
* Pregnant

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama and 4 other locations

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-19Critical IllnessICU Acquired WeaknessPICSCardiorespiratory Fitness
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.