Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy on Long COVID symptoms

Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy(OMT) Effects on Post-Acute Sequalae of COVID-19(PASC)

Not applicable Interventional University of Louisville · NCT06883513

This study is testing whether Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy can help people with Long COVID feel better by reducing their symptoms over eight weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Louisville Academic / other
Locations1 site (Louisville, Kentucky)
Trial IDNCT06883513 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy (OMT) on individuals suffering from Long COVID, specifically focusing on whether OMT can alleviate various symptoms beyond olfactory dysfunction. Participants will complete digital surveys regarding their symptoms over an 8-week period, receiving either OMT or a placebo treatment. The study aims to determine if multiple OMT sessions yield greater improvements compared to a single session. The research builds on previous pilot data that indicated OMT may improve smell in Long COVID patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 at least 6 weeks prior and are experiencing persistent Long COVID symptoms affecting their daily life.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of COVID-19 or those whose symptoms have resolved may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-pharmacological option for alleviating a range of Long COVID symptoms.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for OMT in treating specific Long COVID symptoms, but this approach is still being explored for broader symptom relief.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \- Individuals must claim they have had a prior positive SARS-CoV-2 test at least 6-weeks before the consenting process to proceed with the study
* Individuals must claim they have at least one of the following symptoms greater than 6-weeks post infection that is affecting their daily life(these symptoms correlate with the SBQ™-LC):

Symptoms of Long Covid Inclusion Criteria:

* Shortness of breath or Difficulty Breathing
* Difficulty with Movement (balance or tremor)
* Muscle Pain or stiffness
* Changes in sexual desire
* Worsening Generalized Pain
* Difficulty with Sleep
* Changes in Mood (anxiety or depression)
* Changes in Erectile function (Biological males only)
* Palpations (irregular heart beats)
* Altered Taste
* Changes in your Hair
* Changes in urination
* Dizziness
* Altered Smell
* Changes in Skin
* Changes in bowels
* Fatigue
* Indigestion
* Dry or irritated eyes
* Changes in sweating
* Difficulty with Cognition (memory or thinking)
* Stomach Pain
* Changes in menstruation (Biological females only)
* Chills or shivering

Exclusion Criteria:

* If anyone denies they have any of the above symptoms before consent, they will be excluded from the trial

  * They will also be excluded from the trial if they have suffered any fractured bones in the last 3 months (this will further decrease risk to the patient as the patient will be moved by the physician during the treatment protocol)
  * Participants who are enrolled in other Long-COVID trials that have an intervention during their participation in this trial will be excluded. However, if they have a history of enrollment in a long-covid trial that has no interventions during this trial, they will not be excluded based on their history of acquiring experimental treatment.

Where this trial is running

Louisville, Kentucky

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.
Conditions Long-COVIDPASCLong COVID Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.