Cognitive rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 condition: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Cognitive Rehabilitation
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Post-COVID-19 condition frequently involves persistent cognitive deficits, impacting attention and executive functions (EFs).
• These cognitive sequelae can hinder individuals from returning to their pre-illness functional capacities.
• Goal Management Training (GMT) is a cognitive rehabilitation intervention with demonstrated efficacy in other patient populations for enhancing attention and EFs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Goal Management Training (GMT) in improving everyday attention and executive functions (EFs) in adults experiencing cognitive deficits post-COVID-19.
• To provide an evidence-based intervention for common and debilitating cognitive symptoms following COVID-19 infection.

Main Methods:

• An open-label randomized controlled trial comparing GMT to a wait-list control (WL).
• Recruitment of 240 participants (18-65 years) with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and self-reported attentional/EF difficulties.
• Internet-delivered, group-based GMT (six 2-hour sessions weekly) versus WL; primary outcome is the Metacognition Index at 6 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: Metacognition Index of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Adult Version at six months post-treatment.
• Secondary outcomes: Performance-based neurocognitive measures.
• Tertiary outcomes: Self-rated cognition, emotional health, quality of life, and fatigue.

Conclusions:

• Findings could establish GMT as an effective treatment for persistent cognitive sequelae of COVID-19.
• This research addresses a critical need for interventions targeting cognitive impairment in the growing post-COVID-19 condition population.