RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Kneipp Hydrotherapy in Post-COVID-19 Patients

This study is exploring if a type of treatment called Kneipp hydrotherapy, which uses cold water, can help people who are still struggling with symptoms after having COVID-19 (often called long COVID). Many people with long COVID experience tiredness, problems with their body's systems, and inflammation, which can make it hard to get back to normal. Researchers want to see if these cold water applications can improve these issues and boost overall quality of life. The study will compare those receiving cold water therapy to a group getting standard care, without making any specific medical recommendations. It's about understanding how this therapy might support recovery and help people feel better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Eggensberger OHG

Enrolment target

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 Oct 2027

Post COVID-19 Condition Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC)Post COVID-19 Post COVID-19 Syndrome Long COVID-19 Syndrome

What is this study about?

If you've had COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms like extreme tiredness, brain fog, or muscle aches, you're not alone. This is often called Post-COVID Syndrome or long COVID. These ongoing problems can make it really tough to get back to your usual self. This study is looking into a type of treatment called Kneipp hydrotherapy, which involves using cold water applications, to see if it can help ease these persistent symptoms and improve how you feel day-to-day. The main goal is to find out if this therapy can make a difference to your quality of life compared to your usual care.

The researchers believe that cold water treatments might help in several ways. For example, cold water can affect how your body's automatic systems work, potentially helping your heart rate and other body functions become more balanced. It might also improve blood flow to your tissues, which could reduce muscle aches and tiredness by getting more oxygen and nutrients where they're needed. There's also a thought that these treatments could help calm down any low-level inflammation in your body that might be contributing to your long COVID symptoms.

Ultimately, by improving these different aspects of your health, the study hopes to show that cold water hydrotherapy could help you recover faster, reduce the burden of your symptoms, and generally feel better as you get back to your daily life after long COVID. It's about exploring new ways to support people recovering from this challenging condition.

Key takeaways

This study explores if cold water therapy helps long COVID symptoms.
It aims to improve quality of life for those with Post-COVID Syndrome.
Participants will either receive cold water therapy or usual care.
A smartphone is needed for assessments and heart rate monitoring.
Careful screening ensures participant safety, especially for heart conditions.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you must have an official diagnosis of `Post-COVID Syndrome`. You'll also need to be able to manage most daily activities independently, as measured by a common health assessment. It's important that you own a smartphone because you'll use it to fill out questionnaires and track your heart rate.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. If you have serious heart conditions, severe vein problems (like a deep vein clot), or certain neurological conditions like uncontrolled epilepsy, this study might not be suitable for you. Also, if you already regularly use cold water treatments like Kneipp hydrotherapy, you won't be able to participate as it could affect the study results. Your doctor will help determine if it's safe for you.

This study is open to both men and women, aged 18 and older. There's no upper age limit, so adults of all ages can be considered, provided they meet the other criteria.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have you been officially diagnosed with Post-COVID Syndrome?
Can you largely take care of yourself in daily activities (score >80 on Barthel-Index)?
Do you own a smartphone that you can use for questionnaires and an app?
Do you have any severe heart, vein, or neurological conditions?
Have you regularly used Kneipp cold water treatments in the past?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll be part of a group that either receives cold water hydrotherapy or continues with your usual care. Before starting, the research team will ask you some questions about yourself, like your sex, age, height, and weight. They'll also ask about your main long COVID symptoms, group them, and check if you smoke. They'll also note how long it's been since your COVID-19 infection that led to your long COVID symptoms.

If you are in the hydrotherapy group, you will learn how to perform the cold water applications. You'll use a smartphone app for questionnaires and to measure your heart rate. The study will compare changes in your quality of life between the group receiving the hydrotherapy and the group receiving usual care. You'll be asked to provide your written consent, meaning you agree to take part after understanding what's involved. The total duration of the study activities for each participant is not specified in detail, but involves ongoing assessments via your smartphone.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer a potential benefit of improved quality of life and reduced long COVID symptoms if the cold water hydrotherapy is effective. However, there's always a possibility that the treatment may not work for you, or you might be in the 'usual care' group. Regarding risks, if you have certain health conditions like severe heart or vein problems, or uncontrolled epilepsy, cold water therapy could be harmful, which is why strict exclusion criteria are in place. The researchers will carefully screen you to ensure your safety. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Eggensberger Ohg
Verified postcode
Füssen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is Kneipp hydrotherapy?

It's a treatment that uses cold water applications, like baths or showers, applied in specific ways to the body.

What is 'long COVID'?

Long COVID, or Post-COVID Syndrome, refers to symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the initial COVID-19 infection.

Will I have to pay to join the study?

No, you should not have to pay to participate in a clinical trial. All study-related treatments and assessments are typically provided free of charge.

How will my quality of life be measured?

You'll likely fill out regular questionnaires on your smartphone that ask about how you're feeling and how your symptoms affect your daily life.

Can I continue with my usual medications during the study?

Yes, it is generally expected that you will continue your usual care and medications, unless otherwise advised by the study team.

How to find out more

Andreas Eggensberger, MSc

a.eggensberger@eggensberger.de +4983629103300 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.