To evaluate the extent to which a 12-week respiratory rehabilitation program consistingof inspiratory and expiratory breathing exercises compared to expiratory breathingexercises alone will help to improve shortness of breath, respiratory symptoms, breathingfunction, distance walked, and quality of life in those who are experiencing persistentshortness of breath after having had COVID-19. Measurements will take place at thebeginning, 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.
Device: Respiratory Muscle Strength Trainers
Devices provided to each participant. Resistance loading set at less than 50% of the peak
inspiratory and peak expiratory flow rate.
Other Name: Threshold Inspiratory Muscle Strength Trainer,Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer (EMST 150)
Inclusion Criteria:
- Self-reported history of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in the past.
- Able to walk independently
- Cognitively intact
- English-speaking
- Dyspnea at rest or with activity rated at 3 or greater on the Dyspnea on Exertion
scale.
- May use oxygen.
- May be taking medications.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Individuals who are wheelchair bound or who cannot walk independently.
- Individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 who self-report that they received mechanical
ventilation during hospitalization.
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States
Constance Visovsky, PhD, Principal Investigator
University of South Florida