Evaluating muscle and tendon health in post-COVID-19 patients
Effects of Post-COVID-19 on Neural Activation and Architecture of the Quadriceps Femoral Muscle-tendon Unit and Its Correlation With Inflammatory Markers
This study is trying to see how COVID-19 affects muscle and tendon health in people who have recovered, comparing those with different levels of symptoms to healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Brasilia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brasília, Distrito Federal) |
| Trial ID | NCT04961255 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to assess the physiological and biomechanical characteristics of the quadriceps muscle-tendon unit in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19, comparing them to healthy controls. Participants will be categorized into three groups: those with moderate symptoms, those with severe symptoms, and a control group of healthy individuals. The study will evaluate various factors including inflammatory markers, muscle strength, fatigue, and body composition over a year, starting 21 days after the onset of COVID-19 symptoms. This comprehensive approach seeks to uncover the relationship between COVID-19 and muscle-tendon health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 80 who have recovered from COVID-19 with either moderate or severe symptoms, as well as healthy individuals who have never tested positive for the virus.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18 or over 80 years old, or those who have not been infected with COVID-19, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on muscle and tendon health, potentially guiding rehabilitation strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on post-COVID-19 muscle-tendon health is relatively novel, similar studies have explored the long-term effects of viral infections on physical health with varying degrees of success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Control group: - The control group will include healthy participants, aged 18 and 80 years, who had not tested positive for COVID-19. * COVID-19 positive participants who had moderate symptoms group: * Female and male participants, aged between 18 and 80 years, who had Molecular test (RT-PCR) or serological test, which assesses whether the samples are reactive to immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, positive for COVID-19; * Presence of some of the following symptoms, without the need for hospitalization: dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, diffuse body pain, persistent hyperthermia, no hypoxemia. * COVID-19 positive participants who had severe symptoms group: * Female and male participants, aged between 18 and 80 years, who had Molecular test (RT-PCR) or serological test (which assesses whether the samples are reactive to IgM and IgG antibodies) positive for COVID-19; * Presence of hypoxemia (peripheral oxygen saturation - SPO2 ≤ 93%) requiring hospitalization with or without intubation, in addition to the symptoms described for the COVID-19 positive participants who had moderate symptoms group. Exclusion Criteria: * Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2; * Pregnancy; * Pain, swelling, dermal damage, deformity, or amputation in the regions to be examined; * Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe heart disease, advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cognitive impairment, chemical dependency, psychiatric illness, or behavioral that makes it difficult to cooperate with the procedures.
Where this trial is running
Brasília, Distrito Federal
- University of Brasilia — Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: João LQ Durigan, PhD — University of Brasilia
- Study coordinator: Rita CM Durigan, PhD
- Email: marqueti@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 61 3107-8450
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.