Olfactory training for smell issues after COVID-19
Official title: L'entraînement Olfactif Comme Traitement de la Dysfonction Olfactive Post COVID-19
Run by Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières · NCT05384561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special smell training program can help people who have trouble smelling after having COVID-19 feel better and improve their sense of smell.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Trois-Rivières, Quebec) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 31, 2022 |
| Main results expected | September 2027 |
| Study ends | September 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05384561 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are experiencing persistent olfactory dysfunction.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with pre-existing anosmia or hyposmia, chronic rhinosinusitis, or neurodegenerative diseases 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
This study evaluates the effectiveness of olfactory training as a treatment for persistent smell dysfunction following COVID-19 infection. Participants will be divided into two groups, each using a different set of scents for training over a 12-week period. The study will assess olfactory function through various tests and questionnaires before and after the training. The goal is to determine which set of scents is more effective in improving olfactory perception and reducing symptoms like parosmia and phantosmia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from smell impairments post-COVID-19.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with olfactory training for post-infectious smell dysfunction, suggesting this approach is promising.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient diagnosed positive for COVID-19 with persistent olfactory dysfunction * Willing and able to provide written informed consent * Understand and read the French language * Have an internet connection and a working email address Exclusion Criteria: * Anosmia and hyposmia pre-covid-19 * Be known chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyposis * Have received radiotherapy or chemotherapy for Head and Neck Tumors * Have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis or any other neurodegenerative disease 5. Have a brain tumor or ENT diagnosis 6. History of naso-sinus surgery; 7. History of traumatic brain injury
Where it's running
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Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Johannes A Frasnelli, PhD — Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
- Study coordinator: Johannes A Frasnelli, PhD
- Email: johannes.a.frasnelli@uqtr.ca
- Phone: 18193765011
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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.