Understanding cognitive, psychological, and physical functioning in long-COVID patients with fatigue.

Cognitive, Psychological, and Physical Functioning in Long-COVID Patients With Different Levels of Fatigue.

Hasselt University · NCT05758558

This study looks at how fatigue affects people with long-COVID by checking their thinking, mood, and physical abilities to better understand their different experiences and needs.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHasselt University (other)
Locations1 site (Diepenbeek)
Trial IDNCT05758558 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify subgroups of patients suffering from post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, focusing on their clinical symptoms, demographic characteristics, and levels of fatigue. By assessing cognitive, psychological, and physical functioning, the study seeks to better understand the diverse experiences of long-COVID patients. Participants will be evaluated based on their reported symptoms and functional status, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of their needs and care requirements.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who have experienced persistent symptoms of COVID-19 for more than two months and report significant fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have certain medical devices, or specific neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and tailored interventions for long-COVID patients, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is ongoing research into long-COVID, this specific approach to categorizing patients based on fatigue and functioning is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

The participant must report current persisting symptoms (such as brain fog, anxiety, shortness of breath, headaches but also others) and indicate on the Post COVID-19 Functional Status Scale that these have an impact on everyday functioning (grade 2, 3, and 4). These symptoms need to be present for more than two months.

Further inclusion criteria are:

* Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) score \> 4
* Aged over 18 years old
* Willing to sign the digital informed consent
* Dutch speaking and Dutch understanding
* Be tested positive for COVID-19, i.e. by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), computed tomography (CT) of the lungs, or symptom-based diagnosis by the general practitioner.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant women
* Pacemaker, defibrillator
* Brain or nerve disorders
* Epilepsy
* A copper spiral or recent bone fracture

Where this trial is running

Diepenbeek

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.