Pursuing Reduction in Fatigue After COVID-19 Via Exercise and Rehabilitation (PREFACER): A Randomized Feasibility Trial

Launched by LAWSON RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ST. JOSEPH'S · Nov 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The PREFACER trial is studying a new rehabilitation program called COVIDEx, designed to help people who are experiencing fatigue after recovering from COVID-19, a condition often referred to as Long COVID. Fatigue is a common and challenging symptom that affects many individuals, and this trial aims to see if the COVIDEx program is more effective than the usual treatment currently provided. Participants will take part in an 8-week program that includes two exercise sessions each week, and they will be followed for a total of 24 weeks to assess their progress.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be at least 18 years old, have had a documented COVID-19 infection, and experience fatigue that has lasted for at least two months after their initial illness. They should also be able to walk for about 10-15 minutes with some recovery time afterward. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the COVIDEx program or the standard treatment. It's important to note that people with certain health conditions or those currently pregnant cannot participate. This trial is actively recruiting participants, and it's a great opportunity for those struggling with post-COVID fatigue to potentially find relief through a structured rehabilitation program.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults of at least 18 years of age
• • Able to provide informed consent
• • Can speak and understand English
• • Documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive PCR/antigen test during acute illness or clinical diagnosis by physician during or after the acute illness)
• • Fatigue symptoms within 3 months of COVID-19 infection, lasting at least 2 months
• • Fatigue symptoms cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis
• • Fatigue symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 infection or persist from the initial illness
• • Fatigue symptoms may have an episodic nature, fluctuate or relapse over time
• • Minimal functional capability: able to walk 10-15 minutes and be recovered within 30-60 minutes or without significant post-exertional malaise (PEM)
• • Has applicable technology to access Microsoft Teams and Webex (i.e., computer, laptop, tablet)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Active SARS-CoV-2 infection
• • Pre-existing physical, cognitive, and/or mental health conditions that make exercise contraindicated, consent unattainable, or that cause symptoms similar to those seen in post COVID-19 (e.g., major neurocognitive disorder, schizophrenia, chronic fatigue syndrome) that could affect data
• • Inability to follow study procedures
• • Pregnant and/or breastfeeding
• • Received investigational agents as part of a separate study within 30 days of the screening visit
• • Has any type of metal bodily implant in head or heart (i.e., pins, plates, pacemakers)
• • Current participation in other studies related to COVID-19, exercise, and/or fatigue interventions OR participation within 30 days of the screening visit