Author(s): SIMPSON, A., GALE, L., KILLINGBACK, C., DUKE, C., FENWICK, A., MOORE, D., WILLIAMS, A., HALEY, P., PEARSON, M., CROOKS, M. , Institution: UNIVERISTY OF HULL, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 1062

INTRODUCTION:
Long-Covid symptoms affect approximately 3% of the UK population (1.9 million people), highlighting the pressing need for an effective and scalable rehabilitation intervention. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel blended rehabilitation programme on physical fitness and functional capacity of individuals with self-reported long-Covid.
METHODS:
Participants enrolled on a 12-week rehabilitation programme, consisting of two distinct phases. The initial 6 weeks involved remote live group-based and on-demand exercise sessions, while the subsequent 6 weeks transitioned to in-person rehabilitation sessions at local council leisure centres. Throughout the programme participants received telephone consultations and engaged in educational and social activities. Physical fitness and functional capacity were measured using the 30 second sit-to-stand (STS) test and the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) at baseline and after 6- and 12-weeks of rehabilitation.
RESULTS:
141 participants enrolled, 69% were female, mean (SD) 50 (12) years. Significant improvements were observed in physical fitness and functional capacity. Mean (SD) 30 second STS repetitions increased from 10 (6) at baseline, to 12 (6) at 6-weeks and 14 (5) at 12-weeks of rehabilitation (P<0.001, η2= 0.173), with 62% of participants demonstrating an improvement of more than the minimally clinically important difference (MCID) of 2 repetitions over the course of the rehabilitation programme. Similarly, DASI scores improved from 34 (15) at baseline to 39 (14) at 6-weeks and 42 (14) at 12-weeks of the programme (P<0.001, η2= 0.268), with 58% of individuals demonstrating improvements of more than the MCID (5 units).
CONCLUSION:
A blended digital and face-to-face rehabilitation programme resulted in statistically and clinically important differences in physical fitness and functional capacity in patients with self-reported long-Covid and may provide a scalable solution to assist in widescale treatment of long-Covid.