A safe and effective micro-choice based rehabilitation for patients with long COVID: results from a quasi-experimental study

At least 65 million people suffer from long COVID. Treatment guidelines are unclear, especially pertaining to recommendations of increased activity. This longitudinal study evaluated safety, changes in functional level and sick leave following a concentrated rehabilitation program for patients with...

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Main Authors: Frisk, Bente, Jürgensen, Marte, Espehaug, Birgitte, Njøten, Kiri Lovise, Softeland, Eirik, Aarli, Bernt Bøgvald, Kvale, Gerd
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:At least 65 million people suffer from long COVID. Treatment guidelines are unclear, especially pertaining to recommendations of increased activity. This longitudinal study evaluated safety, changes in functional level and sick leave following a concentrated rehabilitation program for patients with long COVID. Seventy-eight patients (19–67 years) participated in a 3-day micro-choice based rehabilitation program with 7-day and 3-month follow-up. Fatigue, functional levels, sick leave, dyspnea and exercise capacity were assessed. No adverse events were reported and 97.4% completed the rehabilitation. Fatigue measured with Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire decreased at 7-days [mean difference (MD = − 4.5, 95% CI − 5.5 to − 3.4) and 3-month (MD = − 5.5, 95% CI − 6.7 to − 4.3). Sick leave rates and dyspnea were reduced (p