Water-based exercise and cognitive training for long COVID recovery

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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.