Long CovidLongCovAttenNCT06503874
Improving Attention in Individuals With Long COVID-19
A study testing Attention Training and Music Group in people with Long Covid, run by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study is to find out if the Attention Processing Training program is a potential treatment for brain fog symptoms, reported by people with Long-Covid. Also investigating the feasibility of completing this program virtually. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Long Covid
- What is being tested?
- Attention Training and Music Group
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 58 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 22 Mar 2024to 13 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Aged 18-65 years. Live in the Chicagoland area
- A history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Subjective reports of cognitive symptoms that interfere with everyday activities, starting on or shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Continuation or development of Long-Covid brain fog 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation.
- Objective attentional deficits as measured by the Conners CPT-312, and/or the Digit Span subtest (WAIS- III13).
- Able to use a keyboard.
- Able to understand and communicate in English.
- Able to consent independently.
Who cannot join
- Being hospitalized due to COVID-19 diagnosis for more than 3 days.
- Pre-morbid neurological conditions that could potentially affect cognition, such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Dementia, acquired brain injury.
- Severe depression.
- Currently enrolled in cognitive training or physical exercise training.
- Receiving chemotherapy or radiation within last 6 months.
- Active substance abuse.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Intensive Attention Training to Treat Brain Fog in Individuals With Long-Covid
This study is to find out if the Attention Processing Training program is a potential treatment for brain fog symptoms, reported by people with Long-Covid. Also investigating the feasibility of completing this program virtually.
Read the detailed description
The goal of this project is to test the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of an attention training intervention (Attention Process Training; APT-3) as a potential treatment for brain fog symptoms experienced by people with Long-Covid. There already is good empirical evidence to support the idea that the APT-3 treatment is feasible and effective in improving attention in people with acquired brain injuries, but information about its efficacy and acceptability in people with Long-Covid brain fog is lacking.
- Conditions
- Long Covid
- Being tested
- Attention Training, Music Group
- Keywords
- COVID-19, Brain Fog
- Medical subject headings
- Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, COVID-19, Mental Fatigue
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Attention TrainingOther
Also called APT-3
The APT-3 is an evidence-based, standardized computer-based training program that was designed to improve attention skills that underlie higher level cognitive processes (e.g., executive functions and memory).
Music GroupOther
This group will listen to a pre-determined playlist of music following the same dosing as the attention training group as stated in the arms.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Attention Training | Experimental | The computer based APT-3 intervention will be delivered in a hybrid model that will combine in-person therapy sessions at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and practice sessions which will be completed remotely. The dosing of each intervention training will be 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (10 hours total over 4 weeks). The difficulty of the tasks in both interventions will increase progressively as the participants improve in their skills. APT-3 treatment will be administered by a trained and certified speech-language pathologist. Receives: Other: Attention Training |
| Music Program | Experimental | This group will receive an enhanced music experience. They will listen to pre determined music for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (10 hours total over 4 weeks). This will be delivered in a hybrid model that will combine, in person, remote, and independent sessions, similar to the Attention Training group. Once they complete the music program, they will have the option to complete the Attention Training. Receives: Other: Music Group |
| Delayed Attention Training | No intervention | This group will not be provided any program for the initial 4 weeks. After they complete the week 5 assessments, they will have the option to complete the Attention Training. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Number of participants who successfully completed at least 80% of the study tasks sessions
Recording the number of participants who completed at least 80% of the study sessions out of the number of all participants who enrolled in the study.
Measured: 2 years
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change of scores in objective attention tests (i.e, CPT 3), pre- and post -intervention
The Conners Continuous Performance Test Third Edition™ (Conners CPT 3™)
Measured: 2 year
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Jul 2024
- Study start22 Mar 2024
- Primary completion13 Mar 2026
- Study completion13 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Long CovidStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Shirley Ryan AbilityLabThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- First, participants will complete the pre-treatment assessment. Participants then will be randomized to either immediate APT-3 group, delayed APT or Music activity group. The interventions (APT-3 or Music activity) will last 4 weeks. At the end of the intervention participants will undergo another assessment battery, and once again at 1-month post intervention follow-up. Following the maintenance assessment, participants from the Music activity group will have the option to receive the APT-3 intervention. If they accept, they will undergo another assessment battery at the end of the 4-week intervention. Participants from the delayed APT-3 group will undergo the week 5 assessment and will then be offered to enroll in the APT-3 training. If they accept, they will undergo another assessment battery at the end of the 4-week intervention.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Shira Cohen-Zimerman, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
- Investigators
- Shira Cohen-Zimerman, PhD, Principal investigator, Shirley Ryan AbilityLabElliot Roth, MD, Principal investigator, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06503874
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STU00220499
- Other IDs
- 90IFDV0033-01-00
- Acronym
- LongCovAtten
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 9 Jul 2024
- Last updated
- 2 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Intensive Attention Training to Treat Brain Fog in Individuals With Long-Covid
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06503874
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- LongCovAtten / STU00220499
- Conditions
- Long Covid
- Keywords
- COVID-19, Brain Fog
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 58 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Shirley Ryan AbilityLabUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 22 Mar 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 13 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 13 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Jul 2024 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study is to find out if the Attention Processing Training program is a potential treatment for brain fog symptoms, reported by people with Long-Covid. Also investigating the feasibility of completing this program virtually.
Detailed description
The goal of this project is to test the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of an attention training intervention (Attention Process Training; APT-3) as a potential treatment for brain fog symptoms experienced by people with Long-Covid. There already is good empirical evidence to support the idea that the APT-3 treatment is feasible and effective in improving attention in people with acquired brain injuries, but information about its efficacy and acceptability in people with Long-Covid brain fog is lacking.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- First, participants will complete the pre-treatment assessment. Participants then will be randomized to either immediate APT-3 group, delayed APT or Music activity group. The interventions (APT-3 or Music activity) will last 4 weeks. At the end of the intervention participants will undergo another assessment battery, and once again at 1-month post intervention follow-up. Following the maintenance assessment, participants from the Music activity group will have the option to receive the APT-3 intervention. If they accept, they will undergo another assessment battery at the end of the 4-week intervention. Participants from the delayed APT-3 group will undergo the week 5 assessment and will then be offered to enroll in the APT-3 training. If they accept, they will undergo another assessment battery at the end of the 4-week intervention.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Attention Training | Experimental | Other: Attention TrainingThe computer based APT-3 intervention will be delivered in a hybrid model that will combine in-person therapy sessions at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab and practice sessions which will be completed remotely. The dosing of each intervention training will be 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (10 hours total over 4 weeks). The difficulty of the tasks in both interventions will increase progressively as the participants improve in their skills. APT-3 treatment will be administered by a trained and certified speech-language pathologist. |
| Music Program | Experimental | Other: Music GroupThis group will receive an enhanced music experience. They will listen to pre determined music for 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks (10 hours total over 4 weeks). This will be delivered in a hybrid model that will combine, in person, remote, and independent sessions, similar to the Attention Training group. Once they complete the music program, they will have the option to complete the Attention Training. |
| Delayed Attention Training | No intervention | –This group will not be provided any program for the initial 4 weeks. After they complete the week 5 assessments, they will have the option to complete the Attention Training. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Aged 18-65 years. Live in the Chicagoland area
- A history of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Subjective reports of cognitive symptoms that interfere with everyday activities, starting on or shortly after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Continuation or development of Long-Covid brain fog 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation.
- Objective attentional deficits as measured by the Conners CPT-312, and/or the Digit Span subtest (WAIS- III13).
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Being hospitalized due to COVID-19 diagnosis for more than 3 days.
- Pre-morbid neurological conditions that could potentially affect cognition, such as Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Dementia, acquired brain injury.
- Severe depression.
- Currently enrolled in cognitive training or physical exercise training.
- Receiving chemotherapy or radiation within last 6 months.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Attention TrainingAlso: APT-3The APT-3 is an evidence-based, standardized computer-based training program that was designed to improve attention skills that underlie higher level cognitive processes (e.g., executive functions and memory). | Other | Attention Training |
| Music GroupThis group will listen to a pre-determined playlist of music following the same dosing as the attention training group as stated in the arms. | Other | Music Program |
Primary outcome
Number of participants who successfully completed at least 80% of the study tasks sessions
Time frame: 2 years
Recording the number of participants who completed at least 80% of the study sessions out of the number of all participants who enrolled in the study.
1 secondary outcome
Change of scores in objective attention tests (i.e, CPT 3), pre- and post -intervention
Time frame: 2 year
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Apr 2026.
Related trials for Long Covid
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Not yet recruitingPhase 3
Dapagliflozin for Long COVID Syndrome
COVID - 19, Long COVID Syndrome
Active, not recruiting
Long COVID Brain Fog: Cognitive Rehabilitation Trial
Long COVID, Brain Fog
RecruitingPhase 2
SARS-CoV-2 and Herpesvirus Inhibition for Ending Long COVID Dysfunction
Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19, Long COVID
Enrolling by invitation
Fareon Open Label Device Clinical Trial
Cognitive Dysfunction, Acquired Brain Injury
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Shira Cohen-Zimerman, PhD principal investigator
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
Elliot Roth, MD principal investigator
Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Attention Training and Music Group in people with Long Covid, run by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Number of participants who successfully completed at least 80% of the study tasks sessions (time frame: 2 years). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Apr 2026.