Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 750 million cases have been reported globally, with a significant portion of patients experiencing prolonged symptoms known as Long COVID. This condition, affecting 5–10% of COVID cases in Australia, presents challenges such as dyspnoea, extreme fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction. The first multidisciplinary Long COVID Recovery Clinic in the Australian Capital Territory, established in March 2022, offers a novel approach to addressing these symptoms through personalized exercise therapy.
The clinic’s model includes a comprehensive assessment and tailored progressive exercise therapy. This approach is unique in Australia, combining general and inspiratory strength training with cardiovascular exercise and educational strategies. Consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of participants recommending the clinic to others. The study aimed to evaluate the physical outcomes and safety of this program, hypothesizing improvements in physical function and inspiratory muscle strength without adverse effects.
Understanding Long COVID and the Role of Exercise
Long COVID, characterized by symptoms persisting three months post-infection, poses a significant global health burden. While exercise is a standard therapy for chronic conditions, its role in Long COVID recovery remains underexplored. A recent review of eight randomized controlled trials suggests that exercise may be beneficial and tolerable for Long COVID patients. However, Australian-specific data on exercise-based interventions are limited.
The Long COVID Recovery Clinic in Canberra addresses this gap. It offers a public, freely accessible program featuring individualized exercise prescriptions. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team includes rehabilitation specialists, physiotherapists, and other health professionals, providing a holistic approach to recovery.
Study Design and Methodology
This prospective observational study was conducted at the Long COVID Recovery Clinic, the only service of its kind in the Australian Capital Territory. The clinic caters to individuals over 18 experiencing persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Participants undergo comprehensive assessments, including cardiopulmonary exercise capacity and lung function tests, to tailor their exercise programs safely.
Data collection involved recording participant demographics, COVID-19 diagnosis, and clinic attendance. Safety was a primary outcome, defined by the absence of adverse events during the program. The study also evaluated physical outcomes, such as exercise endurance and inspiratory muscle strength, using standardized measures like the Modified COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale.
Results and Implications
The study included 119 participants, with 72 completing the program. No adverse events were reported, reinforcing the safety of the clinic’s approach. Participants showed significant improvements in health scores, inspiratory muscle strength, and physical endurance. These findings align with international evidence supporting exercise therapy for Long COVID.
Despite the positive outcomes, the study lacked a control group, limiting conclusions about the program’s efficacy. The completion rate was 61%, comparable to international Long COVID clinics. However, the reasons for non-attendance remain unclear, highlighting an area for further research to enhance participation.
Expert Opinions and Future Directions
Experts emphasize the importance of individualized and monitored exercise programs for Long COVID recovery. The clinic’s success suggests that similar models could be implemented more widely, potentially improving outcomes for Long COVID patients. However, the study’s exploratory nature and single-center design warrant further research in diverse settings to validate the findings.
The clinic’s approach, focusing on both inspiratory and peripheral muscle training, offers a promising framework for rehabilitation. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of such programs and investigate factors influencing adherence and recovery.
Conclusion
The Long COVID Recovery Clinic in Canberra demonstrates that a multidisciplinary approach incorporating exercise and pacing is safe and beneficial for individuals with Long COVID. The study highlights the potential for individualized exercise therapy to improve physical health outcomes without adverse effects. As Long COVID cases decline, the clinic’s model could inform future service designs, ensuring effective support for recovering patients.
