Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Effects of Rehabilitation Combined With a Maintenance Program Compared to Rehabilitation Alone in Post-COVID-19

This study aims to help people who have long-term symptoms after having COVID-19, often called 'Long COVID.' These symptoms can include tiredness, breathlessness, headaches, anxiety, and depression, making daily life difficult. While rehabilitation programs have been shown to help people feel better, it can be hard to keep these benefits once the program ends. This study is testing if adding a digital program after rehabilitation can help people maintain these improvements for a longer time. They are comparing this approach to just having the rehabilitation program on its own.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Schön Klinik Berchtesgadener Land

Enrolment target

Start

31 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

What is this study about?

Many people who get COVID-19 fully recover, but for some, symptoms can last for more than 12 weeks. This is known as 'Post-COVID-19 Syndrome' or 'Long COVID.' These ongoing symptoms can be very varied, ranging from extreme tiredness and difficulty breathing to headaches, anxiety, and feeling low. They can make it hard to do everyday activities and enjoy life as before.

Over the past few years, special rehabilitation programs involving different types of healthcare professionals have been found to help people with Long COVID. These programs can improve their quality of life and reduce how severe their symptoms feel. Because of this, leading health organisations, like the German Society of Pulmonology and the European Respiratory Society, recommend rehabilitation for people with Long COVID.

However, what we've learned from previous studies is that while these rehabilitation programs are effective, it can be tough for people to keep feeling the benefits once the program finishes. This new study wants to find a way to make these improvements last longer. They are testing if a digital program, used after the rehabilitation, can help people maintain their health improvements compared to people who just have the rehabilitation program and no extra digital support.

Key takeaways

Targets long-term COVID-19 symptoms (Long COVID).
Compares digital support after rehab to rehab alone.
Aims to make rehab benefits last longer.
Open to adults aged 18+.
Requires internet access.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you would need to have symptoms of 'Post-COVID-19 Syndrome' as defined by the World Health Organization. This typically means you've had COVID-19 and are still experiencing symptoms more than 12 weeks later that can't be explained by another health condition.

You also need to be starting a rehabilitation program at the Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land. This study is specifically for patients already receiving care at that clinic.

If you don't have access to the internet, you wouldn't be able to join this study because a key part of it involves using a digital program. The study is open to both men and women, and you need to be 18 years old or older. There's no upper age limit.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do I have ongoing symptoms from COVID-19 (Long COVID)?
Am I starting a rehabilitation program at Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land?
Do I have reliable access to the internet?
Am I 18 years old or older?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The general details of what taking part involves are not fully described in the summary provided. However, based on the study's aim, if you're in the group receiving 'rehabilitation combined with a digital maintenance program,' it would likely involve your normal rehabilitation at the Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, followed by using a digital program. This digital program would probably involve exercises, information, or ways to track your symptoms, and you would need internet access to use it. If you're in the 'rehabilitation alone' group, you would receive your normal rehabilitation without this extra digital tool.

There would be assessments to measure your symptoms, physical performance, and overall well-being at the beginning, during, and after the rehabilitation program and the digital support period. The total duration of the study, including the follow-up period with the digital program, is not specified but would likely extend beyond the rehabilitation period itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as continued improvement of your Long COVID symptoms through the digital maintenance program, which could help you maintain the benefits gained from rehabilitation for longer. The digital program might also provide ongoing support and resources. As with any study, there are potential risks, though these are not detailed in the summary; however, participating in rehabilitation or using a digital program might require some effort and commitment. All participants have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect their ongoing medical care.

Locations (1)

Schone Klinik Berchtesgadener Land
Verified postcode
Schönau am Königssee, Germany

Common questions

What is 'Post-COVID-19 Syndrome'?

It's when you have symptoms from a COVID-19 infection that continue for more than 12 weeks and can't be explained by other conditions. It's often called 'Long COVID'.

What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is a programme designed to help people recover from illness or injury, often involving various therapies and exercises to improve physical and mental health.

What does a 'digital maintenance program' mean?

It's an online or app-based program that you would use after your rehabilitation to help you keep up the progress you've made and manage your symptoms over time.

Why is this study being done?

The study aims to find out if using a digital program after rehabilitation helps people with Long COVID feel better for longer compared to just having rehabilitation on its own.

Do I need internet access to join?

Yes, you need to have internet access to take part in this study because the digital maintenance program is a key part of what's being tested.