Water-based exercise and cognitive training for recovery in long COVID
Official title: Water-based Activity to Enhance Recovery in Long COVID
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11010368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether a special program that combines water exercise and brain training can help Veterans with long COVID feel better, and it will compare this program to regular care to see how well it works and how much people like it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004647-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11010368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans aged 18 to 89 who are experiencing neurological manifestations of long COVID.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have neurological symptoms related to long COVID may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the feasibility of a combined water-based exercise and cognitive training program for Veterans suffering from neurological symptoms related to long COVID. The program, known as WATER+CT, aims to enhance recovery through a structured six-month intervention that includes both physical and cognitive activities. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the WATER+CT program or usual care, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of this innovative approach. The study will focus on recruitment, retention, and the overall impact of the intervention on participants' recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic approach to improve recovery outcomes for Veterans with long COVID.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success with similar multi-component training programs in other cognitively impaired populations, suggesting potential for this approach.
Where this research is happening
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Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fairchild, Jennifer Kaci — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Fairchild, Jennifer Kaci
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Defining neutrophil biology in pediatric Long COVID
This project looks at why some kids develop Long COVID by studying neutrophils to help find new ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
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Advancing Long COVID Care in Our Community through Access and Collaboration
A community-focused project to make long COVID care more accessible and equitable for people in St. Louis and rural Missouri.
-
Pediatric Long COVID Care Network: Improving access and coordinated care for children
A nationwide pediatric program is testing a patient-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to help children with long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
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Comunidad: Expanding Long COVID care in underserved South Texas
A new program will broaden and coordinate Long COVID care for underserved communities in San Antonio and South Texas to improve access and outcomes.
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Atlanta Long COVID Coordinated Care Model for Diverse Populations
A regional program in Atlanta aims to improve access and coordination of care for people with Long COVID, especially in underserved communities.
-
Long COVID Care Resources and Education to Improve Community Health
A program to support federally-qualified health centers in providing better Long COVID care through education, a shared hub, and easy referral pathways for underserved communities.
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.