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Predictors of Recovery and the App-Facilitated Tele-Rehabilitation (AFTER) Program for COVID-19 Survivors

Predictors of Recovery and the App-Facilitated Tele-Rehabilitation (AFTER) Program for COVID Survivors

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04663945
Acronym
AFTER
Enrollment
49
Registered
2020-12-11
Start date
2020-12-11
Completion date
2021-12-27
Last updated
2022-11-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Covid-19, Deconditioning

Keywords

Tele-rehabilitation, High Intensity, Biobehavioral, Activity Self-Monitoring, Physical Functional Performance

Brief summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility (safety, adherence) and initial efficacy (physical function and patient reported outcomes) of a multicomponent tele-rehabilitation program during COVID-19 recovery of patients who have been hospitalized due to COVID-19.

Detailed description

The aim of this study is to investigate the feasibility and initial efficacy of a multicomponent tele-rehabilitation program during COVID-19 recovery. The tele-rehabilitation program will include biobehavioral training and high intensity exercise facilitated through an online application ('Platform'). Initial efficacy will be assessed primarily by performance on the 30 Chair Stand Test and secondarily through other physical function tests and patient reported outcome measures. This study will advance the feasibility of tele-rehabilitation as a more generally useful intervention in patients lacking access (distance, availability, mobility) to standard rehabilitative services and could transform the way in which acute rehabilitation and post-hospital care is delivered for all patients.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALBiobehavioral Tele-rehabilitation Sessions

Biobehavioral tele-rehabilitation sessions

Sponsors

National Institute on Aging (NIA)
CollaboratorNIH
University of Colorado, Denver
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
35 Years to 100 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Confirmed COVID-19, per diagnostic criteria (PCR testing) 2. Hospitalized for at least 24 hours 3. Able to provide informed consent 4. Internet capability to access the platform 5. Community-dwelling prior to hospitalization

Exclusion criteria

1. Unstable medical comorbidities that would preclude participation in exercise 2. Receipt of \>1 session of outpatient physical therapy 3. Known pregnancy, as the impact on physical function, pulmonary function, and other outcomes will vary well beyond any expected effects of COVID-19 4. Anticipating concurrent additional physical therapy services during study intervention period (12 weeks)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Adherence (Primary Feasibility/Safety Outcome)12 weeksFeasibility will be measured by program adherence, defined as the number of sessions attended divided by the total number of prescribed sessions (n=12). Individuals will be considered adherent if they attend at least 75% (n=9) of the total sessions. Adherence will be collected in the intervention group only.
Change in 30 Second Chair Stand Test (Primary Efficacy Outcome)Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe test uses a standard height chair and requires the participant to stand up and sit down as many times as possible in 30 seconds. More completions indicate better physical function. To facilitate accuracy of the test over video, the participant will be instructed to count out loud each time he/she stands. Further, the test will also be facilitated by the Platform.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG)Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe TUG test measures the time it takes for a person to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down. Participants will complete the TUG test twice and the best time will be used. Faster times indicate better physical function and lower risk of falls.
4-Stage Balance TestChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe 4-stage balance test measures static balance in 4 different positions (narrow base of support, semi-tandem, tandem, and single-leg). The test is facilitated by the Platform; it requires participants to hold each position for up to 10 seconds. If a participant is unable to hold a position for 10 seconds, the next hardest position is not performed. Completing higher levels indicate lesser fall risk and better balance. Total scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating better outcomes.
MRC DyspneaChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe MRC dyspnea scale is an interviewer-administered or self-report assessment of the perception of difficulty breathing during five different tasks. Participants respond either yes or no to each task. Score is the sum of the number of Yes answers, 0-5. Higher numbers indicate more difficulty breathing
Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) ScaleChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe ABC Scale is a 16-item self-report measure of balance confidence in performing activities without losing balance or experiencing a sense of unsteadiness. Score range: 0-100. Higher scores indicate higher confidence in performing activities without losing balance.
Three-Item Loneliness ScaleChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThis scale has three items and a simplified set of response categories that is designed to measure overall loneliness. Score range: 3-9. Higher scores indicate higher loneliness.
PROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4aChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe PROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4a consists of 4 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (not at all confident (1) to very confident (5)); values range from 4-20. Higher scores indicate higher levels of general self-efficacy.
System Usability Scale (SUS)6 weeks (primary end point)The SUS is a 10-item survey that uses a 5-point Likert scale (Strongly disagree (1) to Strongly agree (5)). Scores range from 0 to 100 and higher scores indicate better usability. The SUS will be collected in the intervention group only.
PROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health:Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe PROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health measures quality of life on two domains: physical and mental health. Raw values for each domain range from 4 - 20; scores are converted to a t-score with a mean of 50 and SD of 10. Higher scores indicate better health.
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-BLINDChange from Baseline to week 12The MoCA-BLIND assesses different cognitive domains: attention, concentration, memory, language, conceptual thinking, calculations, and orientation. The MoCA-BLIND has removed assessments requiring vision, thus can be completed using telehealth or telephone assessments. Score range: 0-22, with 18-22 normal range.
Clinical Frailty ScaleChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe Clinical Frailty scale is a self-report scale to estimate function. The participant selects perceived level of function prior to and following admission ranging from very active to bedridden/terminal. Score range: 1 (very fit) - 9 (terminally ill), with higher scores indicating higher levels of frailty.
Average Daily Step CountChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksAverage Daily Step Count per week will be collected via a Fitbit activity monitor. Higher step counts indicate higher level of physical activity.
Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8)Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe Patient Health Questionnaire 8 measures severity of depressive symptoms over the past 2 weeks. The 8 item scale is rated on a 4 point scale (not at all to nearly every day). Score range: 0-24. Higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms.
PROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic ConditionsChange from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeksThe PROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions is an 8-item scale rated on a 5-point Likert scale;values range from 8-32. Higher scores indicate higher levels of self confidence in one's ability to successfully perform specific tasks or behaviors related to one's health in a variety of situations.
Safety Event CountWeek 12The Safety Event Count is the cumulative number of participants who experienced adverse events and severe adverse events counted from baseline to week 12. Events will be categorized by type.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

5 participants screen failed after enrolling, prior to starting the study.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Intervention
This group will receive 12 biobehaviorally informed tele-rehabilitation sessions including high-intensity strengthening; sessions will be delivered by a licensed physical therapist. An application ('Platform') will facilitate home exercise program completion outside of the supervised sessions. Other: remote controlled exercise plus home exercise Treatments: strengthening, balance, functional activities, stretching, breathing, aerobic endurance exercise Biobehavioral Tele-rehabilitation Sessions: Biobehavioral tele-rehabilitation sessions
28
Control
This group will receive an activity monitor and basic education, but no individualized rehabilitation sessions or biobehavioral training. Other: basic education
13
Total41

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTotalControlIntervention
30 Second Chair Stand Test12 Completions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
11 Completions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
12 Completions
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
4-Stage Balance Test37 scores on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5
37 scores on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5
37 scores on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 5
Age, Continuous52 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10
54 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10
52 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
12 Participants6 Participants6 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
29 Participants7 Participants22 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
2 Participants2 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
2 Participants0 Participants2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
6 Participants1 Participants5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
5 Participants2 Participants3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
1 Participants0 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
1 Participants1 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
24 Participants7 Participants17 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
41 participants13 participants28 participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
18 Participants5 Participants13 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
23 Participants8 Participants15 Participants
Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG)9 seconds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
9 seconds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3
10 seconds
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 290 / 15
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 296 / 15
serious
Total, serious adverse events
2 / 291 / 15

Outcome results

Primary

Adherence (Primary Feasibility/Safety Outcome)

Feasibility will be measured by program adherence, defined as the number of sessions attended divided by the total number of prescribed sessions (n=12). Individuals will be considered adherent if they attend at least 75% (n=9) of the total sessions. Adherence will be collected in the intervention group only.

Time frame: 12 weeks

Population: Adherence was collected in the intervention group only.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
InterventionAdherence (Primary Feasibility/Safety Outcome)93 % of participants meeting adherence
Primary

Change in 30 Second Chair Stand Test (Primary Efficacy Outcome)

The test uses a standard height chair and requires the participant to stand up and sit down as many times as possible in 30 seconds. More completions indicate better physical function. To facilitate accuracy of the test over video, the participant will be instructed to count out loud each time he/she stands. Further, the test will also be facilitated by the Platform.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionChange in 30 Second Chair Stand Test (Primary Efficacy Outcome)Change at Week 63.1 Completions
InterventionChange in 30 Second Chair Stand Test (Primary Efficacy Outcome)Change at Week 123.2 Completions
ControlChange in 30 Second Chair Stand Test (Primary Efficacy Outcome)Change at Week 65.0 Completions
ControlChange in 30 Second Chair Stand Test (Primary Efficacy Outcome)Change at Week 125.1 Completions
Secondary

4-Stage Balance Test

The 4-stage balance test measures static balance in 4 different positions (narrow base of support, semi-tandem, tandem, and single-leg). The test is facilitated by the Platform; it requires participants to hold each position for up to 10 seconds. If a participant is unable to hold a position for 10 seconds, the next hardest position is not performed. Completing higher levels indicate lesser fall risk and better balance. Total scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating better outcomes.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Intervention4-Stage Balance TestChange at Week 61.8 score on a scale
Intervention4-Stage Balance TestChange at Week 122.9 score on a scale
Control4-Stage Balance TestChange at Week 122.7 score on a scale
Control4-Stage Balance TestChange at Week 61.6 score on a scale
Secondary

Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale

The ABC Scale is a 16-item self-report measure of balance confidence in performing activities without losing balance or experiencing a sense of unsteadiness. Score range: 0-100. Higher scores indicate higher confidence in performing activities without losing balance.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionActivities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) ScaleChange at Week 67.1 score on a scale
InterventionActivities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) ScaleChange at Week 1210.0 score on a scale
ControlActivities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) ScaleChange at Week 611.3 score on a scale
ControlActivities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) ScaleChange at Week 1214.2 score on a scale
Secondary

Average Daily Step Count

Average Daily Step Count per week will be collected via a Fitbit activity monitor. Higher step counts indicate higher level of physical activity.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: One participant in the control group did not complete week 12.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionAverage Daily Step CountChange at Week 656 change in daily step count
InterventionAverage Daily Step CountChange at Week 126 change in daily step count
ControlAverage Daily Step CountChange at Week 656 change in daily step count
ControlAverage Daily Step CountChange at Week 126 change in daily step count
Secondary

Clinical Frailty Scale

The Clinical Frailty scale is a self-report scale to estimate function. The participant selects perceived level of function prior to and following admission ranging from very active to bedridden/terminal. Score range: 1 (very fit) - 9 (terminally ill), with higher scores indicating higher levels of frailty.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionClinical Frailty ScaleChange at Week 6-0.5 score on a scale
InterventionClinical Frailty ScaleChange at Week 12-0.8 score on a scale
ControlClinical Frailty ScaleChange at Week 6-0.4 score on a scale
ControlClinical Frailty ScaleChange at Week 12-0.7 score on a scale
Secondary

Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-BLIND

The MoCA-BLIND assesses different cognitive domains: attention, concentration, memory, language, conceptual thinking, calculations, and orientation. The MoCA-BLIND has removed assessments requiring vision, thus can be completed using telehealth or telephone assessments. Score range: 0-22, with 18-22 normal range.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to week 12

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
InterventionMontreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-BLIND1.1 score on a scale
ControlMontreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)-BLIND0.5 score on a scale
Secondary

MRC Dyspnea

The MRC dyspnea scale is an interviewer-administered or self-report assessment of the perception of difficulty breathing during five different tasks. Participants respond either yes or no to each task. Score is the sum of the number of Yes answers, 0-5. Higher numbers indicate more difficulty breathing

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionMRC DyspneaChange at Week 12-1.5 score on a scale
InterventionMRC DyspneaChange at Week 6-1.3 score on a scale
ControlMRC DyspneaChange at Week 12-1.4 score on a scale
ControlMRC DyspneaChange at Week 6-1.2 score on a scale
Secondary

Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8)

The Patient Health Questionnaire 8 measures severity of depressive symptoms over the past 2 weeks. The 8 item scale is rated on a 4 point scale (not at all to nearly every day). Score range: 0-24. Higher scores indicate more severe depressive symptoms.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionPatient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8)Change at Week 6-3.8 score on a scale
InterventionPatient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8)Change at Week 12-5.0 score on a scale
ControlPatient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8)Change at Week 6-1.9 score on a scale
ControlPatient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ8)Change at Week 12-3.1 score on a scale
Secondary

PROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health:

The PROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health measures quality of life on two domains: physical and mental health. Raw values for each domain range from 4 - 20; scores are converted to a t-score with a mean of 50 and SD of 10. Higher scores indicate better health.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionPROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health:Change at Week 60.5 score on a scale
InterventionPROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health:Change at Week 123.0 score on a scale
ControlPROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health:Change at Week 62.1 score on a scale
ControlPROMIS Scale v1.2 Global Health:Change at Week 124.6 score on a scale
Secondary

PROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions

The PROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Conditions is an 8-item scale rated on a 5-point Likert scale;values range from 8-32. Higher scores indicate higher levels of self confidence in one's ability to successfully perform specific tasks or behaviors related to one's health in a variety of situations.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionPROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic ConditionsChange at Week 62.2 score on a scale
InterventionPROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic ConditionsChange at Week 123.9 score on a scale
ControlPROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic ConditionsChange at Week 62.7 score on a scale
ControlPROMIS Short Form (SF) Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic ConditionsChange at Week 124.4 score on a scale
Secondary

PROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4a

The PROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4a consists of 4 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (not at all confident (1) to very confident (5)); values range from 4-20. Higher scores indicate higher levels of general self-efficacy.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionPROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4aChange at Week 6-0.3 score on a scale
InterventionPROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4aChange at Week 120.1 score on a scale
ControlPROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4aChange at Week 6-0.2 score on a scale
ControlPROMIS Short Form (SF) v1.0 General Self-Efficacy 4aChange at Week 120.2 score on a scale
Secondary

Safety Event Count

The Safety Event Count is the cumulative number of participants who experienced adverse events and severe adverse events counted from baseline to week 12. Events will be categorized by type.

Time frame: Week 12

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
InterventionSafety Event CountSerious Adverse Events0 Participants
InterventionSafety Event CountNon-Serious Adverse Events11 Participants
ControlSafety Event CountSerious Adverse Events1 Participants
ControlSafety Event CountNon-Serious Adverse Events9 Participants
Secondary

System Usability Scale (SUS)

The SUS is a 10-item survey that uses a 5-point Likert scale (Strongly disagree (1) to Strongly agree (5)). Scores range from 0 to 100 and higher scores indicate better usability. The SUS will be collected in the intervention group only.

Time frame: 6 weeks (primary end point)

Population: SUS was only collected on Intervention Group

ArmMeasureValue (MEDIAN)
InterventionSystem Usability Scale (SUS)72 score on a scale
Secondary

Three-Item Loneliness Scale

This scale has three items and a simplified set of response categories that is designed to measure overall loneliness. Score range: 3-9. Higher scores indicate higher loneliness.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionThree-Item Loneliness ScaleChange at Week 6-0.4 score on a scale
InterventionThree-Item Loneliness ScaleChange at Week 12-0.8 score on a scale
ControlThree-Item Loneliness ScaleChange at Week 60.3 score on a scale
ControlThree-Item Loneliness ScaleChange at Week 12-0.1 score on a scale
Secondary

Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG)

The TUG test measures the time it takes for a person to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn around, walk back to the chair, and sit down. Participants will complete the TUG test twice and the best time will be used. Faster times indicate better physical function and lower risk of falls.

Time frame: Change from Baseline to 6 weeks (primary end point), persisting at 12 weeks

Population: The control group had one participant who did not complete week 12 testing.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
InterventionTimed Up-and-Go Test (TUG)Change at Week 6-1.7 seconds
InterventionTimed Up-and-Go Test (TUG)Change at Week 12-1.9 seconds
ControlTimed Up-and-Go Test (TUG)Change at Week 6-0.6 seconds
ControlTimed Up-and-Go Test (TUG)Change at Week 12-0.6 seconds

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 12, 2026