Effects of Hydrotherapy During Post-COVID-19 Rehabilitation
This research wants to see if cold water treatments, called hydrotherapy, can help people recovering from Long COVID even more than standard rehabilitation alone. Many people with Long COVID experience long-lasting tiredness, problems with their body's automatic functions, and general unwellness. This study is testing if adding cold water therapy can improve their overall health and make them feel better in their daily lives. The study will compare two groups: one receiving standard recovery care plus cold water treatments, and another receiving only standard recovery care. The main goal is to find out if the people who get the cold water treatments have a better quality of life.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Many people who have had COVID-19 find themselves still feeling unwell months later, a condition often called Long COVID. They might feel very tired, have problems with their body's heart rate or digestion, or just not feel quite right. This can make it hard to get back to their normal activities. This study aims to explore a new way to help people with these ongoing symptoms by adding cold water treatments, also known as hydrotherapy, to their usual recovery programme.
Cold water hydrotherapy works in several ways that might help with Long COVID symptoms. For example, it can help your body's systems work better together, improve blood flow to your tissues, and potentially calm down any ongoing inflammation in your body. It can also help relax muscles and reduce pain, making it easier to start moving more. All these effects together could help people recover faster, feel fewer symptoms, and improve their overall quality of life.
To understand if these cold water treatments are truly helpful, the study will compare two groups of people. One group will receive the standard rehabilitation programme they would normally get, while the other group will get the same standard rehabilitation plus the special cold water treatments. By comparing these two groups, researchers hope to discover if adding cold water hydrotherapy makes a real difference in how well people recover and how they feel day-to-day.
Key takeaways
- The study explores if cold water treatments help Long COVID.
- It aims to improve quality of life for people with Long COVID.
- Two treatment groups will be compared: standard care vs. standard care plus cold water.
- Participants need a Long COVID diagnosis and a smartphone.
- Certain serious health conditions mean you cannot participate.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you need to have a diagnosis of Long COVID and be referred to a special centre for your rehabilitation. You also need to be generally able to look after yourself and manage daily activities, scoring above 80 on something called a Barthel-Index, which doctors use to check this. You'll also need a smartphone to answer questionnaires and use an app that helps measure your heart rate.
There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have serious heart problems (like severe heart failure or unstable angina), severe vein problems (like a deep clot in your leg), or certain serious brain conditions that aren't under control (like epilepsy). Also, if you regularly use cold water treatments already, you wouldn't be eligible.
Essentially, the study is for adults aged 18 or over, of any gender, who have Long COVID, are able to participate in rehabilitation, and don't have other serious health issues that would make cold water therapy unsafe.
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.
- Do I have a diagnosis of Long COVID?
- Am I able to manage most daily activities independently?
- Do I have access to and use a smartphone?
- Do I have any serious heart, vein, or brain conditions?
- Have I regularly used cold water treatments before?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll be asked about your age, gender, height, and weight. You'll also describe your main Long COVID symptoms and say how long you've had them. Questions about your smoking habits will also be asked. You will then be assigned to one of two groups: either the group that receives standard rehabilitation plus cold water therapy, or the group that only receives standard rehabilitation. You'll use your smartphone to complete questionnaires and use a special app to measure your heart rate. The study will assess how your quality of life changes over time. The total length of your participation would depend on the duration of the rehabilitation programme itself, but regular assessments will be part of the process.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Schön Klinik Berchtesgadener LandVerified postcodeSchönau am Königssee, Germany· Recruiting
Common questions
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID is when you have symptoms from COVID-19 that last for weeks or months after the initial infection has gone.
What is hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy, in this study, means using cold water treatments, which involves specific applications of cold water to the body.
Will I get both standard care and cold water therapy?
You will be put into one of two groups: either standard care only, or standard care plus the cold water therapy.
Why do I need a smartphone?
You'll use your smartphone for surveys and to measure your heart rate, which helps the researchers collect important information.
Can I stop participating if I want to?
Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect the medical care you receive.
How to find out more
Rainer Gloeckl, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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