Water-based exercise and cognitive training for long COVID recovery
Water-based Activity to Enhance Recovery in Long COVID
This study is testing if a mix of water-based exercise and brain training can help Veterans with long COVID feel better and improve their neurological symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06142253 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of a combined water-based exercise and cognitive training program aimed at improving neurological symptoms in Veterans suffering from long COVID. The trial consists of two phases: an exercise phase involving individualized aquatic exercises and a cognitive training phase. It aims to recruit 50 Veterans aged 18 to 89 who have persistent neurological symptoms following COVID-19 infection. Participants will be randomized to either the intervention group or usual care, with the study assessing recruitment, retention, and the acceptability of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans aged 18 to 89 with persistent neurological symptoms following COVID-19 infection.
Not a fit: Patients with uncontrolled severe psychiatric disorders or significant neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance recovery and quality of life for Veterans experiencing neurological symptoms of long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with combined exercise and cognitive training approaches in cognitively impaired populations, suggesting potential for this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veterans, age 18 to 89, of any racial or ethnic group * Previous COVID-19 infection at least 6 months after diagnosis documented in clinical record * Persistent neurological symptoms (e.g., "brain fog", cognitive impairment) occurring within 3 months of onset of COVID-19 infection and lasting at least 8 weeks in duration * Visual and auditory acuity to allow neuropsychological testing * Willingness to participate in clinical trial for 8 months * Approval by Primary Care Provider to participate in water-based physical exercise Exclusion Criteria: Psychiatric Exclusions * Current, uncontrolled severe psychotic disorder determined by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Medical Exclusions * History of neurological (e.g., multiple sclerosis, seizure disorder, stroke,) neurodegenerative (e.g., Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) or system illness affecting CNS function (e.g., liver failure, kidney failure, congestive heart failure, systemic cancer) occurring before COVID-19 diagnosis * Current severe cardiac disease (e.g., uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, defined as mean 24 hour heart rate \>85 beats/min, or 24 hour maximal ventricular rate \>150 beats/min; uncontrolled ventricular arrhythmias, defined as recurrent ventricular tachycardia \>3 beats in succession, or 24 hour PVC count \>20%; active pericarditis or myocarditis; Class III/IV heart failure and / or ejection fraction \< 20%; thrombophlebitis; pulmonary disease with a drop in O2 Sat with exercise to 90% without oxygen; embolism within past 6 months) * Inability to participate in an exercise stress test * Inability to read, verbalize understanding and voluntarily sign the Informed Consent
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA — Palo Alto, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer Kaci Fairchild, PhD — VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA
- Study coordinator: Jennifer K Fairchild, PhD
- Email: JenniferKaci.Fairchild@va.gov
- Phone: (650) 439-5000
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.