NCT05425264 · VA Office of Research and Development
Home-Based Exercise Tele-Rehabilitation After COVID-19
(BOOST)
What this study is about
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in catastrophic infections and fatalities across the nation. Many older Veterans with comorbidities are especially vulnerable to complications and poor recovery.
View original scientific description
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in catastrophic infections and fatalities across the nation. Many older Veterans with comorbidities are especially vulnerable to complications and poor recovery. This award will investigate the effect of a novel, home-based, supervised, group exercise tele-rehabilitation in Veterans recovered from COVID-19 on cardiopulmonary and physical function.
Interventions
OTHER
Tele-exercise
Exercise training 2x/week at home. Sessions include circuit exercises of aerobic and resistive training stations which are led remotely.
Primary outcome measures
Change in VO2peak
Time frame: Baseline and after 12 weeks tele-exercise
physical fitness, units are ml/kg/min
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- documented COVID-19 \> 90 days ago
- diagnosis of 2 of following conditions: hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease OR 1 condition and BMI \> 30 kg/m2
Exclusion criteria
- myocardial infarction (within 3 months)
- exertional or unstable angina (chest pain that limits activity)
- severe congestive heart failure (EF \< 20% in last year or NYHA Classification III or IV)
- uncontrolled hypertension (SBP \>180 \&/or DBP \> 110 mm Hg at screening)
- screening EKG with ischemia, complex arrhythmia, or high-grade block (per Minnesota Code)
- poorly controlled diabetes mellitus (FBS\>200 mg/dl, RBS \> 299 mg/dl, or HbA1C \> 10)
- treatment for cancer except skin cancer (within 3 months)
- peripheral vascular disease with claudication
- severe arthritis limiting ambulation
- neurologic disease limiting ambulation (weakness requiring assist device; severe neuropathy)
- end stage liver disease (decompensated liver disease)
- End stage renal failure (dialysis)
- severe pulmonary disease (home O2, admission for dyspnea or pneumonia within 1 month)
- high fall risk (history of falls, bone fracture)
- dementia (based on Evaluation to Consent)
- signs or symptoms of any medical comorbidity that would preclude exercise testing or training
- exercises on routine basis (structured aerobic exercise \> 3 time per week)
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
Collaborators
Baltimore VA Medical Center, Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 10, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations