Exploring breathing difficulties following COVID-19
This study will examine what factors cause shortness of breath in individuals recovering from COVID-19, how their responses to exercise may be abnormal, and how shortness of breath and exercise capacity change over time. Data collected from individuals recovering from COVID-19 will be compared to healthy individuals (“controls”) in order to understand how shortness of breath and exercise responses are different in people post-COVID-19.
About the study
Principal investigator
Dr. Jordan Guenette
Area(s) of medical focus
Breathing & Lung
Condition(s)
COVID-19
Long COVID
Period of enrollment
2022-09-30 - 2024-12-31
Participating sites
St. Paul's Hospital
Purpose of trial
Some individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develop long lasting symptoms such as breathlessness. Recent research has shown that lung function and ability to exercise may be reduced in individuals after infection with COVID-19.
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a sensitive method for interrogating exertional dyspnea and exercise limitation following acute illness in hospitalized patients; to date no studies have employed CPET to assess physiologic abnormalities and dyspnea during exercise in patients recovering from COVID-19. The mechanisms underlying reduced exercise capacity following COVID-19 are likely heterogenous and may include ventilatory impairment due to abnormal pulmonary gas exchange or respiratory mechanics, cardiac limitation related to sequelae of cardiac involvement during the acute phase of illness, deconditioning, or anxiety – which can be described and characterized during CPET. Accordingly, the objective of the proposed study is to undertake detailed assessment of exercise physiological responses during CPET to identify mechanisms of dyspnea in COVID-19 survivors and patterns of exercise limitation.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate, you must meet all the following inclusion criteria:
- Have had COVID-19 between 3 and 24 months ago (post-COVID-19 participants) OR have not experienced symptoms of COVID-19 or tested positive for COVID-19 in the past (healthy control participants)
- Are clinically stable and free of contraindications to exercise testing or physical disabilities that would affect your ability to perform exercise tests
- Are 19 years of age or older
- Can fluently read and write in English
You cannot participate if you meet the following exclusion criteria:
- Have been told that you should not undergo strenuous exercise for any reason
- Are pregnant or have the desire to become pregnant during the study period
Contact information
Phone Number
Researchers
Co-Investigator
Dr. Kathryn Milne