Understanding and treating exercise intolerance after COVID-19
Official title: Pathogenic Mechanism and Therapeutic Approaches for Exercise Intolerance in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11019369 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why some people have trouble exercising after recovering from COVID-19, and it aims to find out how certain factors in the body might be affecting their ability to be active, which could help improve treatments for those facing these challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $633,045 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL176493-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019369 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing exercise intolerance following a COVID-19 infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced exercise intolerance or those who have not had a confirmed COVID-19 infection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the causes of exercise intolerance in patients who have experienced post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). The team will utilize advanced cardiopulmonary exercise testing to identify molecular and physiological factors that contribute to this condition. By exploring the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and its relationship with exercise capacity, the research aims to uncover potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The findings could lead to improved treatment strategies for those affected by exercise limitations following COVID-19.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted therapies that significantly improve exercise capacity and quality of life for patients suffering from PASC.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19, but this specific investigation into exercise intolerance is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Lianghui — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Lianghui
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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.