Effectiveness of physical, psychological, and alternative interventions for post-COVID-19 condition: a systematic review.

What was studied

This review looked at treatments for post-COVID-19 condition in adults. The treatments were supervised, face-to-face and not drugs. They were physical, psychological or alternative. The review used only randomized trials. The search covered January 2020 to January 2026. In all, 1,998 people were in 27 trials.

What they found

Supervised heart and lung rehab and mixed exercise improved fitness and walking. Cognitive-behavioural therapy and lifestyle changes reduced fatigue. They also reduced complaints about concentration. Results for nerve stimulation, complementary and oxygen therapies were mixed. They often showed no benefit over placebo. Few trials had low risk of bias. Many had small samples, no blinding and short follow-up.

What it means for patients

The authors say supervised physical rehab and cognitive-behavioural therapy show evidence of benefit. This is for daily function and symptoms. They say larger trials with longer follow-up are needed.

Why it is not certain yet

The trials differed too much to pool. The authors wrote a narrative summary instead. Few trials had low risk of bias. Follow-up was short in many trials. A review can only be as good as the studies in it.

Source

Effectiveness of physical, psychological, and alternative interventions for post-COVID-19 condition: a systematic review.

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