NCT06850350 · VA Office of Research and Development
Cognitive-Sensorimotor Function in Long-COVID
What this study is about
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.
View original scientific description
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.
Primary outcome measures
NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery
Time frame: During single session of two hours
The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery to assess working memory and attention cognitive function. Working memory and attention cognitive function are quantified through performance on the List Sorting Working Memory Test and Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test, respectively, administered via tablet. Raw scores from these measures can be converted to normally distributed standard (scaled) scores adjusted for age, education, sex, and/or race/ethnicity (T-Scores), as appropriate. A higher score means better performance.
Joint position sense proprioception
Time frame: During single session of two hours
Joint position sense is measured by participants' ability to accurately extend the knee joint to a target reference angle. Participants will be seated and perform nine trials where they have to replicate guided knee joint angle position of 30, 45, or 60°. The difference between guided and replicated position is recorded as the angle error, where greater error means worse proprioception.
King-Devick Test
Time frame: During single session of two hours
The King-Devick Test assesses ocular-motor function. Participants are asked to accurately and rapidly read rows of single-digit numbers displayed on a tablet. The test score is calculated as the total time required to read three test cards (each test card is approximately a full page of numbers), where faster is better.
Maximum voluntary muscle strength
Time frame: During single session of two hours
Participants will be seated and isokinetic maximum voluntary contraction is measured with a dynamometer, normalized by participant height and body mass (N-m/kg-m). Greater values mean better strength.
Dual task gait cost
Time frame: During single session of two hours
Participants will walk at their self-selected speed for 10 laps back and forth along a 10-m straight walkway with wide turns, once without a cognitive task (single task) and once with a cognitive task that stresses working memory (dual task). Difference in gait speed (m/s) is the dual task gait cost, in which higher values mean worse performance.
Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance
Time frame: During single session of two hours
Participants stand on a force plate and perform four balance tasks for which participants are instructed to maintain quiet upright balance: 1) eyes open on a firm surface while focusing straight ahead (access to all three modalities), 2) eyes closed on a firm surface (compromised visual), 3) eyes open on a foam surface while focusing straight ahead (compromised somatosensory), and 4) eyes closed on a foam surface (compromised visual and somatosensory). Total CoP distance travelled (mm) of the four specific balance tasks is measured, with greater distance meaning worse performance.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
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.)
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Collaborators
Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 8, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations