Pursuing REduction in Fatigue After COVID-19 via Exercise and Rehabilitation (PREFACER). A randomized feasibility trial

After recovering from the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, many people experience a range of lingering symptoms, collectively known as 'Long COVID' or 'Post-COVID-19 Condition'. Over 1.4 million Canadians are currently battling this condition, and the number continues to rise. While there are more than 100 different reported symptoms, fatigue stands out as the most prevalent. This persistent fatigue often diminishes the quality of life, impacts daily functions, and hinders individuals from working and caring for themselves. Unfortunately, we don't yet have a specific rehabilitation method targeting this fatigue. Current strategies to help people with Long COVID often come from experts' opinions or observational data. We've recently reviewed 14 clinical trials that tried different rehabilitation methods for people with these post-COVID symptoms. None of them focused specifically on fatigue, the most reported symptom of all. We also recognized that there was a high level of uncertainty around potential adverse outcomes from these interventions, further emphasizing the need for more focused research. Our study aims to explore the feasibility of a structured rehabilitation program to manage and potentially reduce post-COVID fatigue, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life. Patients will be recruited at the Post-Acute COVID Rehab Program at Parkwood Institute and will be randomized to a personalized rehabilitation program or a standard of care group. The experimental group will receive an 8-week personalized rehabilitation program. For this feasibility study, an initial sample of 60 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups and will be followed for 24-weeks. With this feasibility study, we aim to pave the way for a definitive study targeting the most debilitating symptom of Long COVID, setting the groundwork for a future where post-COVID fatigue is effectively managed and treated.