Lower-body heat therapy to improve mobility after long COVID
Physical Rehabilitation of Long COVID by Heat Therapy
NA · University of Nebraska · NCT06928116
This test will see if at-home lower-body heat therapy can improve mobility and metabolic and vascular health in people aged 50–90 with long COVID who have ongoing fatigue or reduced physical function.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 99 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Nebraska (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Omaha, Nebraska) |
| Trial ID | NCT06928116 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will enroll adults aged 50–90 with persistent symptoms after COVID-19 and randomize them to home-based lower-body heat therapy, a sham control, or a walking intervention, with planned baseline and follow-up visits at the University of Nebraska Omaha. The trial will measure safety, tolerability, adherence, and changes in functional capacity alongside metabolic and vascular biomarkers. Heat therapy is delivered at home to assess real-world tolerability and feasibility for people who may struggle with traditional exercise-based rehabilitation. Outcomes will compare mobility and surrogate cardiometabolic markers between groups over the intervention period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: People aged 50–90 who previously had COVID-19 and continue to experience fatigue or reduced physical function for at least two months, who can walk and meet the BMI/weight limits, are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, on hormone therapy, have orthopedic limitations that prevent walking, severe claustrophobia, or are already enrolled in exercise-based rehabilitation may not benefit or be ineligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a low-exertion, at-home option to improve mobility and cardiometabolic health for older adults with long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: Whole-body heat therapy has shown health benefits in other populations, but lower-body, home-based heat therapy for long COVID is relatively novel and largely untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between the ages of 50 and 90 years * Free from orthopedic limitations that would prohibit performing leg exercise * BMI \< 40 kg/m2 and weigh \< 400lbs * Previously contracted Covid-19 and have persistent symptoms such as a fatigue or decline in physical function, for at least 2 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to give written informed consent * Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or likely to become pregnant within the next 6 months * Women who are taking hormone therapy * Claustrophobia * Orthopedic limitations that would prohibit them from walking * Currently enrolled in an exercise-based or respiratory muscle rehabilitation program.
Where this trial is running
Omaha, Nebraska
- University of Nebraska Omaha — Omaha, Nebraska, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gwenael Layec, PhD — University of Nebraska
- Study coordinator: Gwenael Layec, PhD
- Email: unovrl@unomaha.edu
- Phone: 402-554-3779
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.
Conditions: Long COVID, Heat Therapy, mobility limitations, Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection