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
Locations
Sponsors and collaborators
McMaster University
Lead sponsor
Hamilton Academic Health Sciences Organization
Collaborator