(BMC, 2022) Ramírez Vélez, Robinson; Oteiza Olaso, Julio; Casas Fernández de Tejerina, Juan Manuel; García Alonso, Nora; Legarra Gorgoñón, Gaizka; Oscoz Ochandorena, Sergio; Arasanz Esteban, Hugo; García Alonso, Yesenia; Correa Rodríguez, María; Izquierdo Redín, Mikel; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak
Background: physical exercise induces a coordinated response of multiple organ systems, including the immune
system. In fact, it has been proposed that physical exercise may modulate the immune system. However, the potential
effect of an exercise program on COVID-19 survivors has not been investigated. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate
the modifications in immunological parameters, physical condition, inflammatory profile, and perceived persistent
symptoms after 6 weeks of supervised resistance training (RT), in addition to the standard care on the clinical status
of patients with persistent COVID-19 symptoms. The objective of this protocol is to describe the scientific rationale in
detail and to provide information about the study procedures.
Methods/design: a total of 100 patients with postdischarge symptoms after COVID-19 will be randomly allocated
into either a group receiving standard care (control group) or a group performing a multicomponent exercise
program two times a week over a period of 6 weeks. The main hypothesis is that a 6-week multicomponent exercise
program (EXER-COVID Crossover Study) will improve the immunological and inflammatory profile, physical condition,
and persistent perceived symptoms (fatigue/tiredness, musculoskeletal pain, and shortness of breath) in patients with
postdischarge symptoms after COVID-19.
Discussion: our results will provide insights into the effects of a multicomponent exercise program on immunological
parameters, physical condition, inflammatory profile, and persistent perceived symptoms in patients with postdischarge
symptoms after COVID-19. Information obtained by this study will inform future guidelines on the exercise
training rehabilitation of patients with postdischarge symptoms after COVID-19.
