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Cognitive-Sensorimotor Function in Long-COVID

Enhancing Veterans Long-COVID Care: A Cognitive-Sensorimotor Framework to Understand Gait and Balance Dysfunction

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Inclusion Criteria:

* Older than 18 years of age
* Positive PCR or Rapid COVID-19 test in the past
* Onset of COVID-19 illness greater than 3 months prior to their participation in the study
* Self-reported ability to walk 10 meters with or without external assistance prior to COVID-19 illness

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of severe cardiovascular and pulmonary disease and/or neurological and musculoskeletal disorders unrelated to COVID-19 (e.g., amputation, stroke, spinal cord injury)
* Cognitive impairments precluding ability to provide informed consent.
* Severe acute COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalization or diagnosed post-intensive care syndrome.
* Presence of musculoskeletal, inflammatory, or neurological conditions mimicking Long COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., concussion within last 5 years, Chronic fibromyalgia, Myofascial pain syndrome, etc.)

About the study

Growing evidence indicates that many people who have chronic post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) will experience ongoing neurological and musculoskeletal impairment that can affect gait and balance. Identifying the factors contributing to these impairments and how they influence functional mobility is the first step towards creating effective evaluation and treatment protocols. In this study the investigators will examine cognition, vision, proprioception, muscle strength, gait and balance in persons with and without PASC to understand how PASC may impact functional mobility through a cognitive-sensorimotor lens. Gait and balance will be studied in environments that stress cognitive and sensory abilities. Study outcomes will be critical for the development of evidence-based Veteran Health Administration diagnostic and standard-of-care protocols to address gait and balance dysfunction in Veterans with PASC for restoring their functional mobility and independence.

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development · Participants: 136 · Started: Apr 1, 2026

Contact the study team

• Matthew J Major, PhD · Phone: (312) 569-6166
• Keith E Gordon, PhD · Phone: (708) 202-8387

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06850350

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Post-COVID Conditions (Long COVID)

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.