A study in The BMJ shows that the REGAIN program, an 8-week online rehabilitation program, improved the quality of life for long-COVID patients in the UK. The trial involved 585 adults who had been hospitalized for COVID-19 and were still experiencing symptoms. Participants reported less fatigue, pain, and depression after the online sessions.
The participants’ most common pre-existing conditions were related to chest or breathing issues and musculoskeletal conditions. Over a third were unable to work due to their post-COVID-19 condition. Half of the participants received standard care, a single online advice session, while the other half were enrolled in the REGAIN intervention, which included eight weekly home-based group exercise and psychological support sessions.
Participants’ outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. At 3 months, 17% of the REGAIN group reported improved overall health compared to 8% in the standard care group. No improvements were noted at 6 months. One serious adverse event of fainting and vomiting after exercise was possibly related to the intervention, and two adverse events were definitely related.