Fatigue in Long COVID

ConditionLong COVID
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-65
SponsorMcMaster University

About this trial

Long COVID affects about 6 in 100 people after a COVID-19 infection. It can cause ongoing problems like ongoing tiredness, muscle pain, and "brain fog." We know very little about which treatments might be helpful for long COVID.

The goal of this trial is to compare two treatments for people with long COVID to try to manage their symptoms. The main question is to assess whether the Lightning Process is effective for people living with long COVID compared to activity pacing. Each person will be placed into one of the two groups randomly (by chance, like flipping a coin). Activity pacing helps people balance rest and daily activities. The Lightning Process teaches ways to change thought patterns and body responses to symptoms. We will include 100 adults with long COVID. Everything will be done online, including filling out surveys about health and daily life. The goal is to find out which approach helps people feel better and improve their daily activities.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Adults aged 18 to 65 years

Meeting the WHO clinical case definition for long COVID and

Self-reported experiencing long COVID symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, and brain fog.

Reporting a minimum score of ≥35 on the Checklist Individual Strength CIS-fatigue domain.

Disqualifiers

Long COVID participants whose presentation is primarily restricted to anosmia.

Participants with Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) or serious organic sequelae of COVID-19, such as structural lung injury attributable to mechanical ventilation or other organ damage requiring ongoing specialist management.

Participants who will not be able to attend intervention sessions or follow up visits due to anticipated significant life changes or relocation.

Unable to provide informed consent (e.g. cognitive disability, language barrier)

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Lightning Process
  • Activity Pacing

Treatment groups

100 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groups

Locations

This trial has no locations

Sponsors and collaborators

McMaster University

Lead sponsor

Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization

Collaborator