Rehabilitation for older Veterans recovering from long-COVID

Evaluating the Long-term Health Consequences of COVID-19 and Rehabilitation Therapies to Speed Convalescence

Not applicable Interventional VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05373043

This study is testing whether a new treatment can help older Veterans with long-COVID feel better by improving their blood vessel health and reducing fatigue and cognitive issues.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Locations1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Trial IDNCT05373043 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to improve the health outcomes of older Veterans suffering from long-COVID by developing rehabilitation therapies that enhance vascular endothelial function. The approach focuses on addressing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are exacerbated by aging and COVID-19. Participants will receive either Mitoquinone or a placebo to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment in improving symptoms associated with long-COVID, such as fatigue and cognitive deficits. The study will assess the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 and provide evidence-based recommendations for rehabilitation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Veterans aged 50 and older who are experiencing long-COVID symptoms and are 3-12 months post-COVID-19 diagnosis.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbid conditions, such as unstable coronary artery disease or severe COPD, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for older Veterans recovering from long-COVID.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into long-COVID rehabilitation, this specific approach targeting vascular endothelial function with Mito-Q supplementation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 50 years of age or greater
* Long-COVID and COVID-recovered patients must have SARS-CoV-19 positive test near the time of COVID-19 diagnosis
* Long-COVID and COVID-recovered patients must be 3-12 months post-initial COVID-19 diagnosis
* Ability to sign informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* BMI \>45 kg/m2
* Unstable (\<6 months) or severe coronary artery disease (CAD-RADS score = 4A), peripheral artery disease (Ankle Brachial Index \<0.40), cerebrovascular disease (identified by previous stroke in last 12 months), severe COPD (=Stage III), uncontrolled hypertension (\>160/100 mmHg), chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis, severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance \<30 by the Cockcroft-Gault formula), Alzheimer's disease, dementia
* Orthopedic limitations that would prohibit exercise
* \[Current smokers and individuals that stopped smoking in the last 10 years\]
* Already taking Mito-Q or unwilling to cease dietary supplements for participation
* Any other condition or event considered exclusionary by the PIs or a physician

Where this trial is running

Salt Lake City, Utah

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.
Conditions Long-COVID
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.