Pursuing Reduction in Fatigue After COVID-19 Via Exercise and Rehabilitation (PREFACER): A Randomized Feasibility Trial

What this study is about

Long COVID is a complex condition that affects approximately 1.4 million Canadians following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fatigue is the most common symptom of Long COVID. This feasibility trial will evaluate a new rehabilitation program called COVIDEx for treating fatigue after COVID-19, and compare its effectiveness to the standard treatment currently used. The experimental treatment group will receive an 8-week multi-modal rehabilitation program with two 50-minute sessions per week. 60 participants will be recruited, randomly assigned to the COVIDEx program or standard of care (SoC) and followed for 24 weeks.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Adults of at least 18 years of age
• Able to provide informed consent
• Can speak and understand English
• Documented history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive PCR/antigen test during acute illness or clinical diagnosis by physician during or after the acute illness)
• Fatigue symptoms within 3 months of COVID-19 infection, lasting at least 2 months
• Fatigue symptoms cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis
• Fatigue symptoms may be new onset following initial recovery from an acute COVID-19 infection or persist from the initial illness
• Fatigue symptoms may have an episodic nature, fluctuate or relapse over time
• Minimal functional capability: able to walk 10-15 minutes and be recovered within 30-60 minutes or without significant post-exertional malaise (PEM)
• Has applicable technology to access Microsoft Teams and Webex (i.e., computer, laptop, tablet)

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Active SARS-CoV-2 infection
• Pre-existing physical, cognitive, and/or mental health conditions that make exercise contraindicated, consent unattainable, or that cause symptoms similar to those seen in post COVID-19 (e.g., major neurocognitive disorder, schizophrenia, chronic fatigue syndrome) that could affect data
• Inability to follow study procedures
• Pregnant and/or breastfeeding
• Received investigational agents as part of a separate study within 30 days of the screening visit
• Has any type of metal bodily implant in head or heart (i.e., pins, plates, pacemakers)
• Current participation in other studies related to COVID-19, exercise, and/or fatigue interventions OR participation within 30 days of the screening visit

Where this trial is running

• Parkwood Hospital - St. Joseph's Health Care London, London, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Nicole Billias, BPH, CPT · 519-646-6100 · Nicole.Billias@sjhc.london.on.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT06156176.