New virtual exercise group to address post-COVID conditions in older Veterans

To address post-COVID conditions in older Veterans, the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) will begin offering a new, weekly virtual exercise-based program led by a physical therapist.

“This program aims to address and reverse long-COVID symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, etc., that may still be impacting your daily life through exercises tailored to your needs,” said Dr. Lisa Tagariello, the Cincinnati VAMC physical therapist who is leading the program. “This is an ongoing program to address your fitness goals and to get you on track for regular fitness in your daily activities.”

The class will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. via VA Video Connect, is voluntary, and is open to individuals who were previously diagnosed with SARS-Cov-2, the disease that causes COVID-19. To be eligible for admission to the program, Veterans 60 years and older must have recovered from COVID-19 and be approved to participate by their primary care provider, among other criteria mentioned below.

Regardless of the severity of illness experienced while infected with COVID-19, post-COVID conditions—also referred to as long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-acute COVID, long-term effects of COVID, or chronic COVID—may cause a range of new or ongoing symptoms. Commonly reported symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental activities (also known as post-exertional malaise)
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating (sometimes referred to as “brain fog”)
• Cough
• Chest or stomach pain
• Headache
• Fast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)
• Joint or muscle pain
• Pins-and-needles feeling
• Diarrhea
• Sleep problems
• Fever
• Dizziness on standing (lightheadedness)
• Rash
• Mood changes
• Change in smell or taste
• Changes in menstrual period cycles

“Due to the social isolation associated with COVID-19, many Veterans are prone to reduced socialization, sedentary behavior, and overall deconditioning, leading to increased risk for further negative healthcare outcomes,” Tagariello explained.

There is currently no magic pill to cure post-COVID conditions, so for most people suffering from symptoms, medical management is intended to improve function and overall quality of life. The CDC recommends established symptom management approaches, like breathing exercises, maintaining good nutrition, stress management, and physical rehabilitation to manage symptoms.

Veterans interested in joining in the COVID Recovery Group Exercise Program should review the inclusion and exclusion criteria below to ensure they meet the requirements for participation.

Inclusion Criteria

• SARS-Cov-2 diagnosis
• Willing and able to participate in virtual group-based exercise three times per week
• 60 years of age and older
• Approved by primary care provider

Exclusion Criteria

• Unable to perform activities of daily living 
• Experience cognitive impairment and are unable to function independently without assistance 
• Diagnosed with unstable angina 
• Diagnosed with proliferative diabetic retinopathy  
• Oxygen dependent 
• Unpredictable behavior or unable to work successfully in a group environment
• Incontinence 
• Have open wounds 
• Active substance abuse
• Experiencing homelessness

Other than a one-time initial in-person physical fitness test at the Cincinnati VAMC-Fort Thomas location, the remainder of the program will be held virtually. If Veterans are not familiar with VVC or do not have the technology available to join the class, a tablet will be issued by the VA at no cost to Veterans. Upon receiving the tablet, Veterans will participate in a one-on-one session with a physical therapist to learn how to operate the tablet and VVC.

For more information about enrolling in the COVID Recovery Group Exercise Program or about VA physical therapy services, please contact Dr. Tagariello at 513-544-80