Study on Kneipp Cold Water Hydrotherapy to Improve Quality of Life in Adults with Post-COVID Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of cold water hydrotherapy on patients with Post-COVID Syndrome, a condition where symptoms like fatigue, autonomic imbalance, and inflammation persist after COVID-19 infection. The study aims to compare quality of life improvements between those receiving hydrotherapy and those receiving usual care without it. The trial is a randomized controlled study sponsored by Eggensberger OHG. Participants in the experimental group will undergo cold water hydrotherapy sessions lasting 5 to 10 minutes, four times daily during a 3-week program, followed by once daily sessions during a 6-month follow-up. The hydrotherapy involves tailored techniques such as washing and pouring. The control group will receive usual care at home without hydrotherapy. Standard medical care is also provided during the 3-week stay for the treatment group. Participants will provide demographic and health data at baseline, including symptoms, smoking history, and prior COVID-19 illness severity. They will undergo autonomic function testing and report work ability and sick leave days. Researchers will monitor quality of life, fatigue, sleep quality, autonomic function, blood pressure, adherence to hydrotherapy, and adverse events over the 6-month period. Daily well-being and post-exertional malaise will also be documented to assess long-term effects.

Effects of Kneipp Hydrotherapy in Post-COVID-19 Patients