Fatigue in Long COVID (NCT07697261) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Fatigue in Long COVID
100 participantsStarted 2026-11
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. 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.
. Able to speak and read English
. Scoring higher in contemplation, action or maintenance scores than the precontemplation phase on the readiness to change questionnaire
. Provides consent for study participation.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. Consistent access to an internet-connected device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop) that can facilitate access to the study interventions.
Exclusion criteria
. 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)
. Co-morbidities that likely to impair function for as long or longer than long COVID
. Current participation in psychotherapy, structured physical rehabilitation (e.g., physiotherapy or occupational therapy), or another trial that does not permit co-enrollment.