Effectiveness of ReCOVery APP to Improve the Quality of Life of Long COVID Patients: A 6‐Month Follow‐Up Randomized Clinical Trial

León-Herrera, Sandra (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Samper-Pardo, Mario ; Oliván-Blázquez, Bárbara (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Magallón-Botaya, Rosa (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Casado-Vicente, Verónica ; Sánchez-Recio, Raquel (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Sánchez-Arizcuren, Rafael (Universidad de Zaragoza)

Resumen: Purpose: This study aims to analyze the medium‐term effectiveness of telerehabilitation in enhancing the quality of life for patients with Long COVID, using a mobile application (APP) called ReCOVery APP. The secondary purpose is to identify significant factors associated with an improvement in the quality of life and other secondary outcomes in this population.Methods: A randomized clinical trial was carried out with two parallel groups involving a total of 100 patients with Long COVID. The first one (control group, n = 48) continued with their usual treatment (TAU), established by their primary care doctor. The second one (intervention group, n = 52), in addition to continuing with their TAU, attended three sessions based on motivational methodology and used the ReCOVery APP for 6 months. The primary outcome was quality of life.Results: After 6 months, ReCOVery APP did not significantly improve the quality of life among Long COVID patients. Poor adherence to the APP was observed among the participants who tried it. Linear regression analyses revealed a significant relationship between the decrease in the number of symptoms and the improvement in mental health–related quality.Conclusions: While this research contributes valuable insights into the potential of telerehabilitation for Long COVID patients, the lack of significant improvement in quality of life underscores the need for future large‐scale studies. Such research should focus on identifying effective strategies to enhance adherence to digital interventions, such as increased professional support and personalized care approaches. Additionally, exploring the long‐term effects of telerehabilitation could provide a more comprehensive understanding of its role in managing Long COVID.Trial Registration: ISRCTN Registry identifier: ISRCTN91104012

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1155/ijcp/7692776

Año: 2025

Publicado en: International journal of clinical practice 2025, 1 (2025), [13 pp.]
ISSN: 1368-5031

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/FIS/PI21-01356
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII-RICAPPS/RD21-0016-0005
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/ISCIII/RICORS RD21-0016-0005
Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/NextGenerationEU/PRTR

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Enfermería (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)
Área (Departamento): Área Psicología Social (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)
Área (Departamento): Area Medicina (Dpto. Medicina, Psiqu. y Derm.)
Área (Departamento): Área Fisioterapia (Dpto. Fisiatría y Enfermería)