Improved Functioning and Activity According to the International Classification of Functioning and Disability after...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Digital Health
• Post-COVID Conditions

Background:

• Persistent symptoms and functional impairments after SARS-CoV-2 infection (post-COVID-19 condition) necessitate effective rehabilitation strategies.
• Traditional rehabilitation may be inaccessible for some post-COVID-19 patients, highlighting the need for remote solutions.
• Multidisciplinary approaches are crucial for addressing the complex, multi-systemic nature of post-COVID-19 conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the outcomes and feasibility of multidisciplinary group telerehabilitation for individuals with post-COVID-19 condition.
• To assess the impact of an internet-based rehabilitation program on body functions and activity/participation.
• To evaluate the credibility and attrition rates of telerehabilitation in this patient population.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial comparing an 8-week internet-based multidisciplinary telerehabilitation program with a waiting list control group.
• Inclusion criteria: symptoms beyond 12 weeks post-infection, need for medical assessment, and internet access.
• Outcomes measured via self-scored questionnaires (International Classification of Functioning and Disability - ICF, breathing scales, Credibility Expectancy Questionnaire) and physical tests at baseline, 8 weeks, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• A significantly greater number of ICF body function and activity/participation categories improved in the telerehabilitation group compared to the waiting list control group.
• Improvements were observed at both the 8-week post-intervention and 6-month follow-up assessments.
• The telerehabilitation program demonstrated high credibility and a low attrition rate among participants.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary telerehabilitation is a feasible and effective intervention for improving functioning and activity in individuals with post-COVID-19 condition.
• The positive outcomes suggest that telerehabilitation should be further developed and integrated into routine clinical practice for post-COVID-19 care.
• Internet-based rehabilitation offers a promising avenue for accessible and beneficial care for long-term COVID-19 survivors.