Long COVID-19 health and exercise study
Official title: BALCoS - Basel Long COVID Cohort Study and DiLCoS - Digital Long COVID Substudy
Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT05781893 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Trial ID | NCT05781893 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies have shown promise in using digital interventions for managing chronic conditions, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
University Hospital Basel, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine
Basel, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gunther Meinlschmidt — University Hospital Basel, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gunther Meinlschmidt, Prof.
- Email: gunther.meinlschmidt@unibas.ch
- Phone: +41 61 328 63 10
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Magnetic brain stimulation for fatigue and brain fog in long COVID
This trial will see if repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can reduce severe fatigue and improve concentration in adults with long COVID.
-
Kneipp cold-water hydrotherapy for people with Long COVID
This randomized trial will test whether regular Kneipp cold-water hydrotherapy can improve quality of life for people with Post‑COVID Syndrome.
-
Investigating dysfunctional breathing in patients with post COVID-19 condition
This study is trying to see how breathing problems affect people who are dealing with long-term symptoms after having COVID-19.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.