How exercise affects blood clots and oxygen levels in veterans recovering from COVID-19
Official title: Effects of Exercise Training on Blood Microclots, Tissue Oxygenation, and Mitochondrial Health in Veterans with Post COVID Conditions
Funded at Baltimore VA Medical Center · NIH-10927076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exercise can help veterans who are dealing with lingering health issues after COVID-19 by improving their blood flow, oxygen levels in their tissues, and overall cell health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baltimore VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1IK2CX002768-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10927076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans who are experiencing post-COVID conditions and are interested in participating in an exercise program.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not veterans or those who do not have post-COVID conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of exercise training on blood microclots, tissue oxygenation, and mitochondrial health specifically in veterans experiencing post-COVID conditions. The approach involves assessing how structured exercise can improve these health markers, which may be compromised after COVID-19. Participants will engage in exercise regimens while their blood and tissue responses are monitored to understand the physiological changes that occur. The study aims to provide insights into effective rehabilitation strategies for veterans facing long-term effects of the virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies for veterans suffering from post-COVID conditions, enhancing their overall health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exercise can positively influence recovery in patients with various conditions, suggesting that this approach may also be beneficial for veterans with post-COVID conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Baltimore VA Medical Center
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaber Taha, Sausan Mousa — Baltimore VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Jaber Taha, Sausan Mousa
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Resistance Exercise Training for Blood Pressure and Blood Vessel Health in Middle-Aged Women
A large study will test whether 16 weeks of supervised resistance exercise can lower blood pressure and improve blood vessel health in women aged 40–64 with high blood pressure.
-
Time-of-day exercise and social jetlag: protecting the heart and metabolic health
A study to see if misaligned daily schedules (social jetlag) reduce the benefits of exercise on heart and metabolic health in adults.
-
Intranasal insulin plus exercise to protect brain health in adults with type 2 diabetes
A small study will test whether combining inhaled insulin with aerobic exercise can improve brain blood flow, insulin signaling in the brain, and thinking skills in adults with type 2 diabetes.
-
High-intensity exercise to improve language after stroke
This project looks at whether a tailored high-intensity exercise program can help people with aphasia after stroke improve their speaking, thinking, and well-being.
-
Exercise training for people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
This project tests whether blocking specific muscle nerve signals with a spinal fentanyl injection changes circulation, muscle fatigue, and exercise ability in people with HFpEF compared with healthy controls.
-
Cognitive-behavioral therapy then exercise to lower type 2 diabetes risk in teenage girls
Teen girls at risk for type 2 diabetes will try short-term talking therapy first, then structured exercise, to help lift mood, increase activity, and lower diabetes risk.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.