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. 2023 Sep 28;9(1):166.
doi: 10.1186/s40814-023-01392-1.

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

Stijn Roggeman #  1 , Berenice Gabriela Jimenez Garcia #  2   3 , Lynn Leemans  2   3 , Joy Demol  2 , Janne Geers  2 , Ann De Smedt  1   4 , Koen Putman  5 , Marc Schiltz  1   4 , David Beckwée  6 , Elisabeth De Waele  2
Affiliations

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

Stijn Roggeman et al. Pilot Feasibility Stud. .

Abstract

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).

Keywords: Long COVID; Nutrition; Physical exercise; Rehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Trial flow chart
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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