Rehabilitation Program for Long COVID

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byTimothy Dillingham, MD, MS

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Pennsylvania

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

About 10-20% of persons who contract SARS CoV-2 will experience persistent post-acute sequelae of SARSCoV-2 infection (referred here as PASC). While treatments offered at emerging outpatient COVID recovery clinics are being informed by previous similar diseases, the need is great for a better understanding of the unique needs of this growing population and for tested, efficacious rehabilitation programs to address them. We provide both here.The targeted six-week program will be comprised of a core set of therapies, including individually titrated stretching and flexibility, strengthening of accessory breathing muscles and diaphragm, resistance and aerobic conditioning, and vestibular rehabilitation, supplemented by neuropsychological and cognitive remediation tailored to patients' needs.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 who previously tested positive for COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms like cognitive impairment or fatigue that can't be explained by other conditions. Participants must speak English or Spanish.

Inclusion Criteria

I have difficulty with memory or thinking clearly.

You have had a positive COVID test in the past.

I am 18 years old or older.

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Treatment Details

Interventions

Comprehensive Rehabilitation (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial OverviewThe study tests a six-week comprehensive rehabilitation program against usual care to improve functioning in individuals with Long COVID Syndrome. The program includes exercises, breathing muscle strengthening, conditioning, and tailored cognitive therapy.

Participant Groups

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Comprehensive RehabilitationExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Subjects will be given the option to undergo the comprehensive rehabilitation program including speech therapy and physical therapy. Progression through the rehabilitation program will be personalized and designed based on impairments identified during the comprehensive baseline assessment and previous sessions. Subjects will undergo 12 one- hour sessions over the course of six weeks. The exercise program will be graded and targeted to the person's physical capacity with the goal of slowly advancing the exercise duration or intensity to effect physiological strengthening and increased physical function.

Group II: Augmented Usual CareActive Control1 Intervention

Following randomization, subjects in the augmented usual care group will be given the results of their in-person baseline assessment as well as the WHO Guide "Support for Rehabilitation Self-Management after COVID-19 Related Illness." This guide consists of ways to manage: breathlessness, difficulty with voice, eating, drinking and swallowing; problems with attention, memory and thinking clearly; limitations in activities of daily living, manage stress and mood dysfunction and advice for when to contact healthcare professionals. Follow-up interviews will assess process measures, including use of outpatient rehabilitation clinics, to examine possible contamination effects