Exploring fatigue in Veterans with Long COVID through home exercise
Fatigue and Fatigability in Veterans Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection
This study is trying to see if a simple home exercise program can help Veterans with Long COVID feel less tired and improve their energy levels.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington, District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05699538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to understand the mechanisms behind performance and perceived fatigability in Veterans suffering from post-COVID-19 fatigue. It investigates the safety and feasibility of a minimal-dose home-based resistance exercise program designed for this population. The study hypothesizes that factors such as reduced muscle force capacity and oxygen extraction contribute to increased fatigue levels. By delivering resistance exercise remotely, the study seeks to address neuromuscular and neurobehavioral factors that may exacerbate fatigue in these individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include ambulatory Veterans aged 50 and older who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and report fatigue lasting more than 12 weeks post-infection.
Not a fit: Patients under 50 years of age or those without a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the quality of life for Veterans experiencing debilitating fatigue after COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging research on exercise interventions for Long COVID, this specific approach focusing on minimal-dose home-based resistance exercise is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ambulatory patients (with or without a gait aid) * 50 years of age or older * with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, antibody test or clinical diagnosis * the symptom of fatigue reported greater than 12-weeks post-infection (reporting fatigue: yes/no) * receiving care at the DC VAMC * the ability to speak and read English, and orientation to person, place, and time * the comparison group will include ambulatory patients (with or without a gait aid) * 50 years of age or older * with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by PCR test, antibody test or clinical diagnosis * without the symptom of fatigue reported greater than 12-weeks post-infection * receiving care at the DC VAMC * the ability to speak and read English, and orientation to person, place, and time Exclusion Criteria: * \<50 years of age without a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 by PCR test * antibody test or clinical diagnosis or with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 of \<12-weeks * non-ambulatory individuals * Veterans who do not use the DC VAMC as their main site for care * body mass index 40 kg/m2 * diagnosis of psychiatric disorder(s) * any medically uncontrolled cardiovascular * musculoskeletal disease, or other conditions that, in the opinion of the principal investigator, could make participation in the study unsafe * any orthopedic or joint pain which would prevent the participant from safely engaging in the study protocol * additionally, individuals with plans to relocate from the DC metro area within one year will not be eligible for the intervention portion of the study
Where this trial is running
Washington, District of Columbia
- Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jared M. Gollie, PhD — Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC
- Study coordinator: Jared M Gollie, PhD
- Email: Jared.Gollie@va.gov
- Phone: (202) 745-8000
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.