What is hyperbaric oxygen therapy studying for post-COVID-19 syndrome?

This trial is studying whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can improve symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome, which includes problems like cognitive difficulties and fatigue. Researchers want to see if breathing pure oxygen under pressure helps recovery from long-lasting effects of COVID-19. The study is sponsored by Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center and aims to find new treatment options for patients with this condition.

Who may be eligible for this post-COVID-19 syndrome clinical trial?

Adults 18 years or older who have cognitive problems lasting at least 3 months after confirmed COVID-19 infection may be eligible. Both men and women can participate. Important factors include no previous hyperbaric oxygen therapy, no active smoking or substance use, and the ability to attend all study visits. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this post-COVID-19 syndrome clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study treatment and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel and other expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any additional costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID04647656

Study of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Compared to Sham Treatment for Adults with Long-Term Cognitive Effects from COVID-19

Led by Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center · Updated on 2026-04-21

Participants Needed

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Post-COVID-19 syndrome includes a range of symptoms such as cognitive impairment, fatigue, sleep disorders, and problems with smell and taste that can last for months after recovering from COVID-19. This condition affects many people worldwide and currently has no known treatment. Researchers are investigating the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy HBOT compared to a sham treatment to better understand potential benefits for this syndrome. The study involves two groups one receiving HBOT and another receiving a sham treatment. The HBOT group will have 40 daily sessions, five days a week for two months, breathing 100% oxygen at a pressure of 2 atmospheres absolute ATA for 90 minutes with brief air breaks. The sham group will have sessions mimicking HBOT but with normal air and lower pressure to simulate the experience without delivering therapeutic oxygen levels. Participants will undergo various assessments including cognitive tests, brain imaging, symptom evaluation, quality of life and sleep questionnaires, pain inventories, neurological and physical evaluations, and cardiopulmonary tests at the start and after two months. Some measures will continue at one year to track long-term effects. The study carefully monitors safety and treatment adherence throughout the participation period.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Age above 18 years
Reported post COVID-19 cognitive deterioration that affects quality of life and persists at least 3 months after confirmed infection
Willing and able to read, understand, and sign an informed consent

You will not qualify if you...

Inability to attend scheduled clinic visits or comply with the study protocol
History of traumatic brain injury or any other non-COVID brain pathology
Active malignancy
Substance use at baseline
Severe or unstable physical disorders or major cognitive deficits at baseline
Prior hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Chest conditions incompatible with pressure changes including moderate to severe asthma
Ear or sinus conditions incompatible with pressure changes
Inability to perform awake brain MRI
Active smoking

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

Participants will attend visits to confirm eligibility and complete baseline assessments.

Treatment

Duration - Approximately 8 weeks

Participants receive 40 daily sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy or sham treatment, 5 days per week for approximately 8 weeks.

40 treatment sessions conducted 5 days per week

Follow-up

Duration - Up to 1 year after treatment

Participants undergo follow-up assessments to evaluate cognitive health, brain imaging, symptom status, quality of life, and other health measures up to 1 year after treatment.

Assessments at 2 months and 1 year after baseline