Rehabilitation program to reduce fatigue after COVID-19

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This feasibility trial evaluates a new rehabilitation program called COVIDEx aimed at treating fatigue in individuals suffering from Long COVID. The study will recruit 60 participants who will be randomly assigned to either the COVIDEx program or standard care, with both groups followed for 24 weeks. The intervention consists of an 8-week multi-modal rehabilitation program with two 50-minute sessions per week. The trial employs a modified Zelen design to assess the effectiveness of the intervention under real-world conditions, ensuring comprehensive data collection on health outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults of at least 18 years of age
* Able to provide informed consent
* Can speak and understand English
* Documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive PCR/antigen test during acute illness or clinical diagnosis by physician during or after the acute illness)
* Fatigue symptoms within 3 months of COVID-19 infection, lasting at least 2 months
* Fatigue symptoms cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis
* Fatigue symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 infection or persist from the initial illness
* Fatigue symptoms may have an episodic nature, fluctuate or relapse over time
* Minimal functional capability: able to walk 10-15 minutes and be recovered within 30-60 minutes or without significant post-exertional malaise (PEM)
* Has applicable technology to access Microsoft Teams and Webex (i.e., computer, laptop, tablet)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active SARS-CoV-2 infection
* Pre-existing physical, cognitive, and/or mental health conditions that make exercise contraindicated, consent unattainable, or that cause symptoms similar to those seen in post COVID-19 (e.g., major neurocognitive disorder, schizophrenia, chronic fatigue syndrome) that could affect data
* Inability to follow study procedures
* Pregnant and/or breastfeeding
* Received investigational agents as part of a separate study within 30 days of the screening visit
* Has any type of metal bodily implant in head or heart (i.e., pins, plates, pacemakers)
* Current participation in other studies related to COVID-19, exercise, and/or fatigue interventions OR participation within 30 days of the screening visit

Where it's running

• Parkwood Hospital - St. Joseph's Health Care London
  London, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Pavlos Bobos, PhD — Western University
• Study coordinator: Nicole Billias, BPH, CPT
• Email: Nicole.Billias@sjhc.london.on.ca
• Phone: 519-646-6100

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Long COVID with Headaches and Chronic Pain

  This study tests whether applying mild brain stimulation (tDCS) can help people with long COVID who have headaches, migraines, and ongoing pain.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Fundación Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir · Paiporta, Valencia and 1 other locations · NCT05780450

• Micro-choice-based approach to fatigue management

  A small study in Basel will test a new four-day group program using micro-choices to help people with fatigue from multiple causes see if it’s doable, acceptable, and may help daily functioning.

  Recruiting University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · Basel · NCT07726082

• Immunoadsorption blood filter for autoimmune long COVID

  We will test a blood-filter treatment called immunoadsorption in people with long COVID who have specific autoantibodies to see if their fatigue and daily functioning get better.

  Recruiting Phase 2 Academisch Medisch Centrum - Universiteit van Amsterdam (AMC-UvA) · Amsterdam · NCT07316127

• Mitochondrial oxygen use in blood, muscle, and skin of people with long COVID

  Researchers will test whether mitochondria use oxygen differently in blood cells, muscle, and skin of people with long COVID compared with people who fully recovered after COVID-19.

  Recruiting Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel · Jette, Brussels Capital · NCT07134673

• Anktiva for treating Long COVID symptoms

  This will test whether Anktiva helps adults aged 18–69 who had confirmed COVID-19 and now have persistent or worsened Long COVID symptoms.

  Recruiting Phase 2 ImmunityBio, Inc. · El Segundo, California · NCT07123727

• 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.

  Recruiting Eggensberger OHG · Füssen, Bavaria · NCT07110714

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.