post-COVID post-COVID
Conditions
Interventions
This study examines a behavioral pacing intervention designed to prevent relapse into PEM by teaching participants to manage their activity levels below the PEM threshold. The 4-month intervention is
Sponsors
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht
Eligibility
Age
18 Years to 99 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: • Diagnosis of post-COVID: Confirmed COVID-19 and ongoing symptoms for at least three months, and no longer than two years • Laboratory testing performed after onset of COVID-19 confirming absence of anemia, diabetes, thyroid disorders, active inflammatory disease and/or hypovitaminosis for vitamins B12 and D3 as an alternative explanation for symptoms associated with post-COVID complaints. Individuals who have not had this test can still participate once they have completed the test with their general practitioner or medical specialist. • PEM: characterized by a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental exertion, confirmed by the DSQ-PEM questionnaire. A frequency of at least 2 and a severity of at least 2 on any one of the 5 questions on the DSQ-PEM subscale indicate that PEM is present. • Age range: 18-70 years • Stable medical condition: no significant changes in medication or treatment for at least four weeks prior to enrolment
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: • No access to required technology, i.e., a smartphone and mobile internet • Orthopaedic, vascular, pulmonary, neuromuscular or other diseases prohibiting the ability to perform cycling exercise (group with mild disabilities) or to stand (group with severe disabilities) • Previous or current use of HRV or HR data to adjust personal activities under supervision of a sports physician • Participation in another intervention study
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Change in self-reported PEM scores after 4 months of HR- and HRV-based pacing, measured by the FUNCAP-27 and DSQ-PEM questionnaires. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| HRV (rMSSD)NIRS parametersParameters from CPETDysfunctional breathingPhysical activityFatigueQuality of lifeParticipationKinesiophobiaWork productivity | — |
Countries
Netherlands
Contacts
Public ContactF Hartgens
Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht
Outcome results
None listed