Long COVID study participants report promising results to tailored exercise program

The PERCEIVE study by Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute is returning positive results around health outcome improvements and increases in exercise capacity for participants.

The PERCEIVE study is aimed at investigating how exercise might be able to help improve symptoms for those suffering from long COVID. The Cardihab digital health solution SmartCR is currently in use in this study.

Many of those living with long COVID suffer from compromised exercise capacity, and in some instances periods of depression.

The pilot study has found that tailored exercise programs can be effective for those with a reduced capacity for exercise as a result of their condition, with reports of a 15 per cent increase in the amount of exercise participants were able to do.

Cardiologist and principal PERCEIVE study investigator Prof Tom Marwick is encouraged by the results.

 

"It's not a cure for all of the symptoms of long COVID but there are people who get significant benefit from this, and what we best need to understand is who is it that most benefits and how best to deliver it for them."

 

Read the full article - ABC News

 

If you are interested in participating in the study, or would like to learn more click here.

 

Pulse+IT enews highlights success of Mater virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation program

North Queensland-based sugar cane farmer Stephen Fabbro uses the Cardihab app for his Cardiac Rehabilitation after Heart Surgery through Mater Private Hospital Townsville
North Queensland-based sugar cane farmer Stephen Fabbro uses the Cardihab app for his Cardiac Rehabilitation after Heart Surgery through Mater Private Hospital Townsville

Pulse+IT enews features Cardihab’s virtual cardiac rehab program being rolled out throughout North Queensland through the Mater Health network.

Rural and remote areas of Australia, and in particular Queensland, are often the hardest hit when it comes to healthcare accessibility and Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) programs which are proven to improve outcomes for those who have had a heart procedure or event are no exception.  Difficulty accessing traditional clinic-based programs due to distance, work or family commitments, or long wait lists keep attendance at CR programs disappointingly low with up to 80% of those who should participate missing out.

“It’s a real area of crisis. There are massive bottlenecks of people who can’t get access, but this [virtual program] works because people can do rehab from home using the app and telehealth,” says Cardihab CEO Helen Souris. 

Ms Souris suggests this should be a nationwide standard of care but more government funding is required.  

 

Read the full article in Pulse+IT