Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation for improving function and quality of life in Long COVID
Official title: Physiological Underpinnings of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 ("Long COVID") and Impact of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation on Quality-of-Life and Functional Capacity
Run by University of Colorado, Denver · NCT05566483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 4, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05566483 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University of Colorado Hospital
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: William K Cornwell, III, MD
- Email: william.cornwell@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 303-724-2085
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Cognitive-sensorimotor effects on walking and balance after long COVID
This project will test whether thinking, vision, sensation, and muscle changes explain walking and balance problems in adults with long COVID.
-
Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on sleep and cognitive health
This study is trying to see how COVID-19 affects sleep and thinking in people who have recovered from the virus, to better understand long-term health issues they might face.
-
Testing IV saline for cognitive function in POTS and Long COVID patients
This study is testing whether IV saline can help improve brain fog and mental fatigue in people with POTS and Long COVID.
-
Long-Term Look at Long COVID after COVID-19
Researchers will see how common Long COVID is and how symptoms stick around over time in adults who had COVID-19, using questionnaires and saliva samples to look for biological clues.
-
Evaluating antiviral treatments to prevent long-term heart issues after COVID-19
This study is testing whether antiviral treatments like Paxlovid and Remdesivir can help prevent heart problems in adults who are hospitalized with COVID-19.
-
Imaging neuroinflammation in patients with neurological issues after COVID-19 infection
This study is testing a special imaging method to see if there is inflammation in the brains of people who have long-term symptoms after COVID-19, compared to healthy volunteers.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.