Long-term COVID-19 effects in older Veterans and a rehabilitation approach
Official title: Evaluating the Long-term Health Consequences of COVID-19 and Rehabilitation Therapies to Speed Convalescence
Funded at VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System · NIH-11538988 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how COVID-19 affects blood vessel health in older Veterans and tests a rehab strategy together with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant to help recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | November 1, 2022 |
| Project end | October 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003810-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538988 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older Veterans who have recovered from COVID-19 and have or are at risk for vascular endothelial dysfunction and long-COVID symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lingering vascular or cognitive symptoms after COVID-19 may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
COVID-19 can cause lasting vascular and functional problems, especially in older adults. The study follows older Veterans to understand long-term health risks after infection and how rehabilitation may help. It includes a trial of an mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (Mito-Q) alongside structured exercise to improve blood vessel function and overall recovery. The researchers aim to generate practical rehab recommendations to reduce fatigue, weakness, and cognitive symptoms after COVID-19. Results could guide care for older Veterans and similar populations living with long-COVID symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to improved rehabilitation strategies that reduce long-COVID symptoms and improve vascular health in older Veterans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests vascular and mitochondrial approaches may influence recovery, but this specific combination in older Veterans is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Trinity, Joel Douglas — VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Trinity, Joel Douglas
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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.