Long COVID-19 health and exercise study

BALCoS - Basel Long COVID Cohort Study and DiLCoS - Digital Long COVID Substudy

University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05781893

This study is testing a 12-week exercise program delivered through a smartphone app to see if it can help people with long COVID feel better and manage their symptoms.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland (other)
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT05781893 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Basel Long COVID Cohort Study (BALCoS) is an observational study that examines the health status and symptoms of patients suffering from Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC). It aims to explore various mechanisms contributing to PCC, such as autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and psychosocial factors. Participants can also engage in the Digital Long COVID Study (DiLCoS), which tests the feasibility of a 12-week digital intervention program that includes exercises delivered via a smartphone app to help manage symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. The study collects data to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 and the potential benefits of digital health interventions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with Post COVID-19 Condition who have experienced symptoms for at least two months following a confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old, those who cannot provide informed consent, or individuals with language barriers may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective management strategies for patients suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for managing chronic conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with PCC will be included. PCC will be defined as:
* History of confirmed or suspected SARS CoV-2 infection
* Symptoms usually start within 3 months from the onset of acute SARS CoV-2 infection with symptoms and effects that last for at least 2 months
* Symptoms cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis
* signed informed consent is required

Additional Inclusion Criteria for participtation in DiLCoS:

* A smartphone with a compartible-operating system
* Separate signed informed consent is required

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<18 years
* Lack of consent to participate in the study
* Language barriers (lack of sufficient knowledge of German)
* Lack of general understanding of study procedures

Where this trial is running

Basel

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post COVID-19 Condition, Coronavirus disease, Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, Somatic Symptom Disorder, fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.