Investigating the long-term effects of COVID-19 on Veterans' health

Genetic predictors, pathophysiological mechanisms, and functional consequences of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: Exercise challenge of gut microbiome and neuroinflammation in PASC

NIH-funded research Wm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp · NIH-10975908

This study is looking at how Veterans feel after recovering from COVID-19, especially any ongoing symptoms like pain, tiredness, and brain fog, and it wants to see how exercise might help improve these issues by exploring changes in their gut health and brain inflammation.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWm S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hosp NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10975908 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the long-term symptoms experienced by Veterans after recovering from COVID-19, known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). It aims to identify the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms, which can include pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues, by examining the role of gut microbiome changes and neuroinflammation. The study employs an exercise challenge model to reveal how physical activity impacts these conditions, potentially leading to personalized treatment strategies. By analyzing the physiological responses during exercise, researchers hope to uncover insights that are not visible at rest.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans who have experienced long-term symptoms following COVID-19.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had COVID-19 or do not exhibit long-term symptoms related to the virus may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted treatments that alleviate the long-term symptoms of COVID-19 in Veterans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research on chronic multisymptom illnesses has shown promise in understanding similar mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adverse sequelae of coronavirus diseaseadverse sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.