The effects of physical activity tele-counseling intervention on physical activity, functional performance, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 conditions: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of tele-counseling to promote physical activity in COVID-19 survivors at the persistent phase. Methods Twenty-eight participants who suffered from COVID-19 were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Physical activity counseling was applied according to the transtheoretical model to the intervention group during 20 sessions. Second assessments were performed 6 weeks after the intervention. The physical activity, functional performance (4-meter gait speed; 4-MGS and 5-repetition Sit-To-Stand; STS test), exercise behavioral change and processes, quality of life, fatigue, mental health, severity of symptoms, and dyspnea were evaluated in groups. Results The baseline demographic and clinical outcomes were similar (p > 0.05) except for physical role limitations and general health perceptions in groups. Five-repetition STS, 4-MGS, activity dyspnea, step counts, sitting time, physical role limitations, Exercise Processes of Change Scale (EPCS) total, and behavioral processes scores except for self-liberation significantly improved in the counseling group. Five-repetition STS, 4-MGS improved while dramatic relief, self reevaluation, self-liberation, and EPCS total scores deteriorated in the control group. Conclusions The tele-counseling intervention contributes to improving physical activity, functional performance, behavioral change, quality of life, and decreasing common problems related to COVID-19. The results of the tele-counseling intervention are promising in post-COVID-19 conditions. Trial registration (ClinicalTrials.gov) Registration ID: NCT04853966.