Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for improving function and quality of life in Long COVID

Physiological Underpinnings of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 ("Long COVID") and Impact of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation on Quality-of-Life and Functional Capacity

NA · University of Colorado, Denver · NCT05566483

This trial will try a 12-week cardiopulmonary exercise program to see if it improves symptoms, quality of life, and physical capacity in adults with Long COVID.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Colorado, Denver (other)
Locations1 site (Aurora, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT05566483 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with persistent symptoms more than 12 weeks after COVID-19 infection will undergo baseline cardiopulmonary and autonomic testing to characterize physiological abnormalities. Participants who meet eligibility criteria will be enrolled in a supervised, 12-week exercise training program delivered in a community setting. Outcomes include changes in quality-of-life measures, functional exercise capacity, and cardiorespiratory and autonomic physiology to explore mechanisms driving symptom improvement. The protocol is informed by prior work on cardiac deconditioning and POTS and uses standardized exercise prescriptions adapted for Long COVID patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with documented prior COVID-19 infection and persistent symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks who do not have preexisting cardiovascular or pulmonary disease and can participate in supervised exercise are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People with prior cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, COVID-related myocarditis, post-COVID thromboembolism, dependence on supplemental oxygen, or noncardiorespiratory exercise limitations (for example severe osteoarthritis) are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce Long COVID symptoms and improve exercise capacity and daily functioning.

How similar studies have performed: Exercise-based rehabilitation has shown benefit for cardiac deconditioning and POTS, and preliminary data from this group suggest symptom improvement after a 12-week program in Long COVID.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults ≥18 years with documented history of COVID-19 infection and symptoms consistent with Long COVID lasting \>12 weeks after diagnosis.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of cardiovascular/pulmonary disease prior to infection
* COVID-related myocardial injury such as evidence of myocarditis
* Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism following COVID-19 infection
* Exercise intolerance resulting from conditions that are not related to cardiorespiratory or autonomic factors (e.g. osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal diseases);
* Dependency of supplemental oxygen following COVID infection due to cardiovascular and/or pulmonary complications following acute COVID infection

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post-acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Long COVID

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.