How your daily body clock relates to breathing, activity, and nutrition after COVID-19
Comparison of Respiratory Muscle Strength, Physical Activity Level, and Dietary Habits in Individuals With Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Having Different Circadian Rhythms
This project tests whether morning, intermediate, or evening circadian types relate to respiratory muscle strength, physical activity, sleep, and eating habits in adults with post-COVID-19 syndrome.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hacettepe University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Altindağ) |
| Trial ID | NCT07545499 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a cross-sectional observational study enrolling adults aged 18–65 with confirmed post-COVID-19 syndrome to compare respiratory muscle strength, physical activity, nutritional habits, sleep quality, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms across chronotypes (morning, intermediate, evening) defined by the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. Respiratory function will be measured with maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressures (MIP/MEP), dynamic testing using a POWERbreathe device, and respiratory endurance threshold protocols, while activity and nutrition are captured with validated questionnaires such as the IPAQ. The protocol also includes genetic analysis of CLOCK gene polymorphisms to provide an objective correlate of circadian differences. All testing is performed in person at a single center and participants must be clinically stable and able to complete the assessments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 years with a confirmed diagnosis of post-COVID-19 syndrome, PCFS grade 2–3, clinically stable, able to read Turkish, and without uncontrolled comorbidities or mobility-limiting neurological/orthopedic conditions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with recent major cardiovascular events, severe uncontrolled chronic disease, significant neurological or orthopedic limitations, or inability to complete in-person assessments are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor rehabilitation and lifestyle recommendations to a patient’s chronotype to improve symptoms and daily functioning after COVID-19.
How similar studies have performed: Early research suggests circadian patterns can affect recovery, activity, and sleep, but applying CLOCK gene analysis specifically to post-COVID-19 outcomes is relatively novel and not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome * Aged between 18-65 years * Able to read and understand Turkish * Voluntary participation * Classified as Post-Covid Functional Status Scale (PCFS) grade 2-3 * Clinically stable condition * No uncontrolled comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes under control) * No orthopedic or neurological conditions affecting exercise testing Exclusion Criteria: * Recent myocardial infarction or pulmonary embolism * Severe uncontrolled chronic diseases * Neurological or orthopedic conditions limiting mobility * Psychiatric or neurological disorders affecting cooperation or test compliance * Inability to complete assessments
Where this trial is running
Ankara, Altindağ
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation — Ankara, Altindağ, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ebru Çalık, Professor
- Email: ecalik85@gmail.com
- Phone: +905442850087
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.