Water-based Activity to Enhance Recovery in Long COVID
This two-year study will evaluate the feasibility and safety of an exercise + cognitive training program to improve neurological symptoms of long-COVID. This is a two-phased trial: 1) an exercise phase and 2) a cognitive training phase. The exercise phase will be an aquatic based exercise program. A combination exercise + memory training programs designed for persons with cognitive impairment have significantly improved memory more than other single intervention groups (exercise only, cognitive training only) and given the success of combination training programs with healthy adults, it is important to adapt these programs for persons with neurological symptoms of long-COVID.
• 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