Recruiting

Water exercise and brain training for long COVID recovery

Plain-English translation of NCT06142253 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether a combination of water-based exercise and cognitive (brain) training can help Veterans with long COVID recover from neurological symptoms like brain fog and difficulty concentrating. Half of the participants will receive 6 months of aquatic exercise classes followed by 2 months of cognitive training, while the other half will receive educational materials about brain health and healthy living.

Long COVID causes lasting neurological problems in some people that are difficult to treat, and there is a need to find effective ways to help Veterans recover from these symptoms using approaches that have worked for other conditions affecting memory and thinking.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are a Veteran between ages 18 and 89
you had COVID-19 at least 6 months ago that was documented in your medical record
you have had ongoing neurological symptoms like brain fog or trouble thinking that started within 3 months of your COVID infection and have lasted at least 8 weeks
you are able to see and hear well enough to participate in testing
you are willing to commit to the study for 8 months
your primary care doctor approves you to participate in water-based exercise

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a current severe psychiatric disorder that is not being controlled with treatment
you had a neurological disease like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or Parkinson's disease before your COVID infection
you have serious uncontrolled heart problems or severe lung disease that worsens with exercise
you are unable to safely take an exercise stress test
you cannot read and understand the informed consent form or sign it yourself

What participation looks like

If you are selected for the treatment group, you will attend water-based exercise classes at the VA three times per week for 6 months, then complete classroom-based cognitive training for up to 2 months afterward—a total commitment of about 8 months. If you are in the control group, you will receive educational materials about brain health and healthy lifestyles. Throughout the study, you will complete various tests and assessments to help researchers understand how well the program works.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 18, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, Palo Alto, California