Effects of moderate-intensity intermittent hypoxic training on health outcomes of patients recovered from covid-19: the AEROBICOVID study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Recent studies point to a lower number and a reduction in the severity of cases in higher altitude cities, with decreased oxygen concentration. Specific literature has shown several benefits of physical training, so, in this sense, physical training with hypoxic stimulus appears as an alternative that supports the conventional treatments of the COVID-19 patient's recovery. Thus, this study's primary aim is to analyse the effects of moderate-intensity intermittent hypoxic training on health outcomes in COVID-19 recovered patients. Methods: A clinical trial controlled double-blind study was designed. Participants (30-69 years old) will be recruited among those with moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms, approximately 30 days after recovery. They will be included in groups according to the training (T) and recovery (R) association with hypoxia (H) or normoxia (N): a) TH:RH, b) TN:RH, c) TN:RN, and, last, d) the control group. The 8-week exercise bike intervention will be carried out with a gradual load increase according to the established periods, three times a week in sets of 5 minutes, 90 to 100% of the anaerobic threshold (AT), and a 2,5-minute break. Blood will be collected for genotyping. First, after four weeks (partial), after eight weeks, and later, four weeks after the end of the physical training intervention, participants will perform assessments. The primary outcome is the maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max). The secondary outcomes include lung function, inflammatory mediators, haematological, autonomic parameters, AT, body composition analysis, quality of life, mental health, anthropometric measurements, and physical fitness. The statistical analysis will be executed using the linear regression model with mixed effects at a 5% significance level. Discussion: This study is designed to provide evidence to support the clinical benefits of moderate-intensity intermittent hypoxic training as a part of the treatment of patients recovered from COVID-19. It may also provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of intermittent hypoxic training in different health conditions. Lastly, this study presents an innovative strategy enabling up to 16 participants in the same training session.Trial registration: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry, RBR-5d7hkv. Registered after the start of inclusion; 3 November 2020; https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-5d7hkv

Physical activity in the post-COVID-19: AEROBICOVID project design and perspectives

“…The exclusion criteria were (1) exposure to high-altitude places > 1500 m in the last three months, (2) significant physical limitations to carry out evaluations or intervention, (3) acute or chronic clinical illnesses without medical supervision, (4) anemia, (5) use of immunosuppressive drugs, (6) pregnant women, (7) hormone replacement, (8) smokers, (9) excessive use of alcohol or drugs, (10) three absences in a row during the intervention, and (11) taking part in less than 75% of the total sessions planned.…”

“…To have information related to sample size estimation, statistical analysis, and other methodological details, please access the published study protocol 10 .…”

Impacto do treinamento multicomponente sobre as capacidades físicas e gordura visceral em mulheres idosas com obesidade

“…Trata-se de um treinamento multicomponente [27][28] Na primeira até a quarta semana as participantes realizaram duas voltas no circuito e os tempos de execução dos exercícios e de recuperação foram respectivamente de 30 segundos e 60 segundos. Após, na quinta até a oitava semana as participantes executaram duas voltas no circuito, com 45 segundos de execução e 60 segundos de recuperação.…”