Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41477078›Full record

ArticleArchives of rehabilitation research and clinical translation2025

Perspectives of Individuals With Long COVID on Virtual Physical Rehabilitation: A Qualitative Study.

Kriti Agarwal, Catherine M Tansey, Amanda K Rizk, Marla K Beauchamp, Bryan A Ross, Jean Bourbeau, Maria Sedeno, Laura Barreto, Rebecca Zucco, Emily Crowley and 1 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Archives of rehabilitation research and clinical translation, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Kriti AgarwalSchool of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Catherine M TanseyRespiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Amanda K RizkRespiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Marla K BeauchampSchool of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Bryan A RossRespiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Jean BourbeauRespiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Maria SedenoRespiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Laura BarretoRespiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Rebecca ZuccoWillkin Health, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Emily CrowleyRespiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Québec, Canada.
Tania Janaudis-FerreiraSchool of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and long COVID is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms persisting for atleast 3 months after infection. To explore the perspectives of individuals with long COVID after an 8-week virtual physical rehabilitation program. Design: Qualitative descriptive study. Setting: Clinics and research cohorts. Participants: Adults (n=132) with confirmed or probable COVID-19 infection and persistent symptoms, including reduced mobility, muscle weakness, dyspnea, and/or fatigue, were recruited in a randomized controlled trial. Thirteen intervention group participants who completed the rehabilitation program were included in this qualitative study. Interventions: The intervention group (n=65) received 8 weeks of tailored, symptom-titrated exercises, weekly educational sessions, and usual care, whereas the control group (n=67) received only usual care. Main Outcome Measures: Semistructured videoconference interviews were conducted and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Participants' age (mean ± SD) was 48.3±15.6 years, 6 had been hospitalized during their COVID-19 infection, and the duration of long COVID (mean ± SD) was 18.8±7.2 months. Four themes were identified: (1) Motivation and confidence: most participants expressed confidence in joining the program, motivated by health goals, scientific contribution, and reassurance from professional support. (2) Program features: the program was praised for its well-organized format, ideal duration, convenient scheduling, supportive kinesiologists, and individualized exercise plans. (3) Health effects: while most reported physical and emotional improvements (eg, increased energy, mobility, and confidence), some noted challenges upon returning to work. (4) Post-program suggestions: participants intended to continue exercising but faced barriers such as fatigue and a lack of motivation, highlighting the need for continued support and resources to maintain progress. Conclusions: This study highlights the positive effects and relevant challenges associated with completing an 8-week personalized, symptom-titrated virtual physical rehabilitation program for individuals with long COVID, emphasizing the need for tailored support and ongoing resources to facilitate sustained recovery.

Indexed as

ExerciseLong COVIDPhysical rehabilitationQualitativeRehabilitationVirtual Rehabilitation

Identifiers

PMID41477078
PMCPMC12750420

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.