Functional performance recovery after individualized nutrition therapy combined with a patient-tailored physical rehabilitation program versus standard physiotherapy in patients with long COVID: a pilot study.

Roggeman, Stijn; Jimenez Garcia, Berenice Gabriela; Leemans, Lynn; Demol, Joy; Geers, Janne; De Smedt, Ann; Putman, Koen; Schiltz, Marc; Beckwée, David; De Waele, Elisabeth

Background: Long COVID is suggested to be present in 14 to 43% of COVID 19-survivors. Literature on this new condition states a need for a multidisciplinary approach including physical exercise and nutrition. The aim of the current pilot study is to investigate the feasibility of the proposed protocol to prepare for a randomized controlled study that addresses the effectiveness of a personalized multimodal treatment compared to standard physiotherapy. Methods: This is a protocol of the UNLOCK (Nutrition and LOComotoric rehabilitation in long COVID) study, a pragmatic, single center, randomized controlled pilot trial with two groups. Patients with persisting symptoms related to a SARS-CoV-2 infection will receive either standard physiotherapy or a personalized multimodal treatment for a period of 12 weeks, consisting of individualized physical exercise program combined with individualized nutritional therapy. They will be followed-up at 6, 12, and 18 weeks after randomization. Discussion: A multidisciplinary approach for dealing with long COVID is needed. Because of the lack of clear data and the fact that this is a very heterogenic group, we aim to prepare and optimize a randomized controlled study that addresses the effectiveness of a personalized multimodal treatment. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05254301 (since February 24, 2022).

POST-acute COVID-19 syndrome; MEDICAL rehabilitation; DIET therapy; TREATMENT programs; FUNCTIONAL status; NUTRITION; NUTRITION counseling

Pilot & Feasibility Studies, 2023, Vol 9, Issue 1, p1

2055-5784

Academic Journal

10.1186/s40814-023-01392-1