This pilot study uses a two-arm randomized pre- and post-trial design to evaluate the effect of a remote interdisciplinary PR program, delivered using two exercise approaches, on the recovery of long-term post-COVD-19 outcomes (≥ 3 months after infection). Group one: will be asked to follow the exercise program with a small group of peers (2 groups/6 participants each) in a zoom meeting 3 times a week/45 min each {including 5 min before and 10 min after the meeting for free talk-chat between the participants e.g. questions, perceptions, etc.). The therapist will lead the first three meetings, gradually encourage participants to take turns leading the exercises with the goal of identifying /empowering potential patient leaders. Beginning with the fourth meeting, participants will be encouraged to connect to the meeting and follow their exercise program on their own, taking into account their individualized recommendations. The RA will organize and attend the zoom meetings to resolve general questions (e.g. equipment, platforms, etc.) and will act as a direct point of contact between the therapist and the participants. Group two: will be asked to follow the exercise program 3 times a week/30 min each while watching a pre-recorded YouTube video. D) Self-monitoring: patients will be asked to wear the finger pulse oximeter at all times while exercising, so that they can control their pace while avoiding exceeding target values (HR, Sp02). They will be asked to record in their HR and Sp02 values before and after participation in every session of the exercise program in a diary. E) Support: participants will be able to contact the therapist at any time during the study if they have questions or concerns. Otherwise, they will receive a follow-up phone call once a week from the RA.
The main objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the effect of a remote interdisciplinary PR program that is delivered using two exercise approaches on the recovery of long-term post-COVD-19 outcomes. The specific aims are i) to evaluate the effect of the program and ii) each of the approaches on patients': 1) lung capacity, 2) dyspnea and fatigue, 3) exercise capacity, 4) physical function, 5) participation, and 5) HRQoL.