Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Physical Activity on COVID-19 Long-Term Symptoms (PuReCOVID)

NCT07046442 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 28421
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This single-center, observational, longitudinal, retrospective and prospective study investigates the impact of Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) and moderate daily physical activity on symptoms associated with long COVID, such as cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. The study aims to assess whether these interventions can moderately alleviate or resolve these symptoms and evaluate their potential association with small airway dysfunction (SAD), as measured by Impulse Oscillometry (IOS). The investigators will recruit 40 adult patients with long COVID who meet specific inclusion criteria. Participants will perform ACBT twice daily and complete at least 6000 steps per day for six weeks. The investigators will track clinical and lung function parameters, including spirometry, IOS, and exercise capacity.

Conditions

COVID - 19

Keywords

long COVID, Pulmonary rehabilitation, ACBT

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• To investigate whether ACBT and moderate daily physical activity can improve cough (LCQ), dyspnea (mMRC) and fatigue (VAS) associated to Long COVID.

  Improvement of cough (LCQ), dyspnea (mMRC) and fatigue (VAS) associated to Long COVID after six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation

  six weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• To determine whether respiratory symptoms are associated with small airway dysfunction due to mechanical insult from SARS-CoV infection

  six weeks

Study Arms (1)

A group of patients affected by Long Covid 19 disease

Other: Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Interventions

Pulmonary Rehabilitation OTHER

The Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT), is a structured method aimed at restoring normal breathing patterns, improving respiratory muscle efficiency, and reducing airway irritation.

A group of patients affected by Long Covid 19 disease

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The population will consist of 40 adult patients, referred at outpatient clinic of the Respiratory Disease Unit of the University Hospital of Parma (Italy)

You may qualify if:

• Male or female adults aged ≥18 years;
• Signed informed consent;
• Patients with long COVID
• Patients with or without ventilatory deficit (FEV1/FVC\>/≤70% and FVC\>/≤80%)
• Patients reporting at least one of the following symptoms: cough, dyspnea, and fatigue at 24 weeks post-infection

You may not qualify if:

• Patients with other coexisting chronic lung diseases (asthma, fibrosis, bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, interstitial diseases, pulmonary hypertension)
• Active smoking patients

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Parma: lead
• Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

University of Parma

Parma, Italy, 43126, Italy

Location

Related Publications (24)

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• EQ-5D. Accessed January 13, 2022. https://euroqol.org/

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  RESULT

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  RESULT

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MeSH Terms

Conditions

COVID-19; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Pneumonia, Viral; Pneumonia; Respiratory Tract Infections; Infections; Virus Diseases; Coronavirus Infections; Coronaviridae Infections; Nidovirales Infections; RNA Virus Infections; Lung Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Post-Infectious Disorders; Chronic Disease; Disease Attributes; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: OTHER
• Target Duration: 6 Weeks
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 27, 2025
• First Posted: July 1, 2025
• Study Start: April 5, 2022
• Primary Completion: February 4, 2025
• Study Completion: December 30, 2025
• Last Updated: May 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Shared Documents: STUDY PROTOCOL, SAP, ICF, CSR, ANALYTIC CODE
• Time Frame: Data will be available during the course of the study. The Investigator will keep paper and electronic copies of all documentation at the Center for a period of at least 7 years after the completion of the study and then he will arrange for its destruction.
• Access Criteria: Only the personal delegated to collaborate with this study will be able to access to the database using a password to login.

Locations

IT (1)