Post COVID Syndrome Long CovidWB-EMS PostCOVNCT07312357
Whole-Body Electrostimulation for Functional Recovery in Post-COVID Syndrome
A study testing Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Suit in people with Post COVID Syndrome Long Covid and Post COVID Syndrome, run by Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
Trial summary
Post-COVID syndrome is a condition that affects some people after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, reduced physical capacity, and difficulties performing everyday activities, which can significantly impact quality of life and independence. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 70 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Post COVID Syndrome Long Covid, Post COVID Syndrome, Long COVID Fatigue
- What is being tested?
- Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Suit
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- Mar 2026to Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 70 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome (long COVID), with persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Presence of fatigue and/or functional limitations associated with post-COVID syndrome.
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
- Ability to participate in the intervention and assessments according to the study protocol.
- -
Who cannot join
- Participation in other structured physical exercise or rehabilitation programs during the study period.
- Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled medical conditions that contraindicate physical activity or electrostimulation.
- Neurological disorders or severe neuromuscular diseases.
- Use of anabolic drugs or medications that may interfere with muscle function.
- Pregnancy.
- Epilepsy.
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- Active skin lesions or dermatological conditions in areas where electrodes are applied.
- Recent oncological surgery.
- Acute venous thrombosis.
- Presence of cardiac pacemakers or implanted electronic or conductive medical devices.
- Any clinical deterioration or condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would make participation unsafe.
- -
About this study
Official title: Electrostimulation Suit as a Therapeutic Tool in Post-COVID Syndrome: Effects on Physical and Functional Status. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Post-COVID syndrome is a condition that affects some people after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, reduced physical capacity, and difficulties performing everyday activities, which can significantly impact quality of life and independence. At present, there is limited scientific evidence on effective rehabilitation strategies for this population.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the use of a whole-body electrostimulation suit can improve fatigue, physical performance, and functional independence in people with post-COVID syndrome. Whole-body electrostimulation is a non-pharmacological technique that uses low-frequency electrical impulses to activate multiple muscle groups simultaneously and has shown potential benefits in other clinical populations.
Read more
This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot clinical trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which will receive active whole-body electrostimulation during functional activities, or a control group, which will follow the same sessions using the electrostimulation suit with minimal stimulation (placebo condition). Neither participants nor outcome assessors will know which group each participant belongs to.
The intervention will consist of 12 supervised sessions conducted once per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention, with an additional follow-up assessment three months later. The main outcomes include fatigue levels, functional capacity, physical performance, and independence in activities of daily living. Safety and tolerance to the intervention will be monitored throughout the study.
The results of this study may help to determine the feasibility and potential effectiveness of whole-body electrostimulation as a rehabilitation tool for people with post-COVID syndrome and provide preliminary data for future larger-scale clinical trials.
Read the detailed description
Post-COVID syndrome, also referred to as long COVID, is characterized by the persistence of physical, functional, and cognitive symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and limitations in activities of daily living are among the most frequently reported and disabling symptoms. Despite the growing number of affected individuals, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for this population remain limited.
Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a non-pharmacological intervention that involves the simultaneous activation of large muscle groups through low-frequency electrical impulses delivered via surface electrodes integrated into a wearable suit. This technique allows muscle activation with low mechanical load and has shown potential benefits in improving physical performance and functional capacity in different clinical populations. However, its effectiveness in individuals with post-COVID syndrome has not yet been established.
This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of a WB-EMS-based intervention in people with post-COVID syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving active WB-EMS during the performance of functional activities, and a control group undergoing the same intervention protocol with minimal electrical stimulation, intended to act as a placebo condition. Both participants and outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.
The intervention will consist of 12 supervised sessions, delivered once per week. Session duration will progressively increase from 10 to a maximum of 20 minutes, according to participant tolerance and protocol progression. Electrical stimulation parameters will be individualized and adjusted to achieve visible and tolerable muscle contractions in the experimental group, while remaining at non-therapeutic levels in the control group. Functional activities performed during the sessions will be selected and graded by qualified health professionals, with the aim of improving physical capacity, fatigue management, and independence in activities of daily living.
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after completion of the intervention (post-intervention), and at a three-month follow-up. Primary outcomes include fatigue and functional capacity. Secondary outcomes include physical performance, muscle strength, and independence in activities of daily living. Safety outcomes and adverse events will be monitored throughout the study.
As a pilot trial, this study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, as well as to generate preliminary data on its potential therapeutic effects. The findings will inform the design of future larger-scale randomized controlled trials and contribute to the development of rehabilitation strategies for individuals with post-COVID syndrome.
- Being tested
- Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Suit
- Medical subject headings
- Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Whole-Body Electromyostimulation SuitDevice
The intervention consists of the use of a whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) suit with integrated surface electrodes designed to stimulate multiple large muscle groups simultaneously. Electrical stimulation is delivered at low-to-moderate frequencies and individualized intensities during supervised functional activities. Stimulation parameters are adjusted according to participant tolerance to achieve visible and tolerable muscle contractions. Sessions are conducted once per week for a total of 12 sessions, with progressive increases in session duration from 10 to 20 minutes. In the control condition, the same device is used with minimal, non-therapeutic electrical stimulation.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Active Whole-Body Electrostimulation | Experimental | Participants in this arm will receive active whole-body electromyostimulation using an electrostimulation suit during supervised functional activities. The intervention will consist of 12 weekly sessions with individualized and progressive stimulation parameters adjusted to achieve visible and tolerable muscle contractions. Receives: Device: Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Suit |
| Sham Whole-Body Electrostimulation | Placebo comparator | Participants in this arm will use the same whole-body electrostimulation suit and perform the same supervised functional activities as the experimental group. The electrical stimulation will be set at minimal, non-therapeutic levels to act as a placebo condition, without expected physiological effects. Receives: Device: Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Suit |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Fatigue Severity
Fatigue will be assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ-11), a validated self-report questionnaire that evaluates physical and mental fatigue. Higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Handgrip Muscle Strength
Handgrip strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer as an objective indicator of overall muscle strength. Measurements will be performed following standardized procedures.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Secondary outcomes (2)
Independence in Activities of Daily Living
Independence in activities of daily living will be assessed using the Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire (ADLQ), a self-report instrument that evaluates functional independence across daily activities. Lower scores indicate greater functional independence.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Functional Capacity
Functional capacity will be evaluated using the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), which measures the maximum distance walked in six minutes as an indicator of aerobic capacity and functional exercise tolerance.
Measured: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted31 Dec 2025
- Study startMar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionSep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Post COVID Syndrome Long CovidStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- 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
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, María Del Pilar Rodríguez Pérez, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07312357
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- A620-WBEMS-POSTCOVID
- Other IDs
- A620
- Acronym
- WB-EMS PostCOV
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 16 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 31 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to data protection regulations and the sensitive nature of the health information collected.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Electrostimulation Suit as a Therapeutic Tool in Post-COVID Syndrome: Effects on Physical and Functional Status. A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07312357
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- WB-EMS PostCOV / A620-WBEMS-POSTCOVID
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Universidad Rey Juan CarlosUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 31 Dec 2025 (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.
Post-COVID syndrome is a condition that affects some people after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, reduced physical capacity, and difficulties performing everyday activities, which can significantly impact quality of life and independence. At present, there is limited scientific evidence on effective rehabilitation strategies for this population.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the use of a whole-body electrostimulation suit can improve fatigue, physical performance, and functional independence in people with post-COVID syndrome. Whole-body electrostimulation is a non-pharmacological technique that uses low-frequency electrical impulses to activate multiple muscle groups simultaneously and has shown potential benefits in other clinical populations.
This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot clinical trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which will receive active whole-body electrostimulation during functional activities, or a control group, which will follow the same sessions using the electrostimulation suit with minimal stimulation (placebo condition). Neither participants nor outcome assessors will know which group each participant belongs to.
The intervention will consist of 12 supervised sessions conducted once per week. Outcomes will be assessed before and after the intervention, with an additional follow-up assessment three months later. The main outcomes include fatigue levels, functional capacity, physical performance, and independence in activities of daily living. Safety and tolerance to the intervention will be monitored throughout the study.
The results of this study may help to determine the feasibility and potential effectiveness of whole-body electrostimulation as a rehabilitation tool for people with post-COVID syndrome and provide preliminary data for future larger-scale clinical trials.
Detailed description
Post-COVID syndrome, also referred to as long COVID, is characterized by the persistence of physical, functional, and cognitive symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and limitations in activities of daily living are among the most frequently reported and disabling symptoms. Despite the growing number of affected individuals, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for this population remain limited.
Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a non-pharmacological intervention that involves the simultaneous activation of large muscle groups through low-frequency electrical impulses delivered via surface electrodes integrated into a wearable suit. This technique allows muscle activation with low mechanical load and has shown potential benefits in improving physical performance and functional capacity in different clinical populations. However, its effectiveness in individuals with post-COVID syndrome has not yet been established.
This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of a WB-EMS-based intervention in people with post-COVID syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving active WB-EMS during the performance of functional activities, and a control group undergoing the same intervention protocol with minimal electrical stimulation, intended to act as a placebo condition. Both participants and outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.
The intervention will consist of 12 supervised sessions, delivered once per week. Session duration will progressively increase from 10 to a maximum of 20 minutes, according to participant tolerance and protocol progression. Electrical stimulation parameters will be individualized and adjusted to achieve visible and tolerable muscle contractions in the experimental group, while remaining at non-therapeutic levels in the control group. Functional activities performed during the sessions will be selected and graded by qualified health professionals, with the aim of improving physical capacity, fatigue management, and independence in activities of daily living.
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after completion of the intervention (post-intervention), and at a three-month follow-up. Primary outcomes include fatigue and functional capacity. Secondary outcomes include physical performance, muscle strength, and independence in activities of daily living. Safety outcomes and adverse events will be monitored throughout the study.
As a pilot trial, this study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, as well as to generate preliminary data on its potential therapeutic effects. The findings will inform the design of future larger-scale randomized controlled trials and contribute to the development of rehabilitation strategies for individuals with post-COVID syndrome.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Active Whole-Body Electrostimulation | Experimental | Device: Whole-Body Electromyostimulation SuitParticipants in this arm will receive active whole-body electromyostimulation using an electrostimulation suit during supervised functional activities. The intervention will consist of 12 weekly sessions with individualized and progressive stimulation parameters adjusted to achieve visible and tolerable muscle contractions. |
| Sham Whole-Body Electrostimulation | Placebo comparator | Device: Whole-Body Electromyostimulation SuitParticipants in this arm will use the same whole-body electrostimulation suit and perform the same supervised functional activities as the experimental group. The electrical stimulation will be set at minimal, non-therapeutic levels to act as a placebo condition, without expected physiological effects. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 70 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome (long COVID), with persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Presence of fatigue and/or functional limitations associated with post-COVID syndrome.
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
- Ability to participate in the intervention and assessments according to the study protocol.
- -
Key exclusion criteria (12 listed)
- Participation in other structured physical exercise or rehabilitation programs during the study period.
- Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled medical conditions that contraindicate physical activity or electrostimulation.
- Neurological disorders or severe neuromuscular diseases.
- Use of anabolic drugs or medications that may interfere with muscle function.
- Pregnancy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Whole-Body Electromyostimulation SuitThe intervention consists of the use of a whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) suit with integrated surface electrodes designed to stimulate multiple large muscle groups simultaneously. Electrical stimulation is delivered at low-to-moderate frequencies and individualized intensities during supervised functional activities. Stimulation parameters are adjusted according to participant tolerance to achieve visible and tolerable muscle contractions. Sessions are conducted once per week for a total of 12 sessions, with progressive increases in session duration from 10 to 20 minutes. In the control condition, the same device is used with minimal, non-therapeutic electrical stimulation. | Device | Active Whole-Body Electrostimulation, Sham Whole-Body Electrostimulation |
Primary outcome
Fatigue Severity
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Fatigue will be assessed using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ-11), a validated self-report questionnaire that evaluates physical and mental fatigue. Higher scores indicate greater fatigue severity.
Handgrip Muscle Strength
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Handgrip strength will be measured using a hand-held dynamometer as an objective indicator of overall muscle strength. Measurements will be performed following standardized procedures.
2 secondary outcomes
Independence in Activities of Daily Living
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Functional Capacity
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 31 Dec 2025.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared due to data protection regulations and the sensitive nature of the health information collected.
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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.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Suit in people with Post COVID Syndrome Long Covid and Post COVID Syndrome, run by Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
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 5 inclusion and 12 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 31 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Fatigue Severity (time frame: Baseline, immediately post-intervention (12 weeks), and 3-month follow-up). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. 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 31 Dec 2025.