A99-05 Feasibility of a Digital, Synchronous Rehabilitation Maintenance Program for People With Post-Covid-19 Condition - Results From the Reload 2.0 Study

Background Personalized, symptom-adapted rehabilitation appears to be superior to natural recovery in individuals with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC), leading to improvements in quality of life and symptom severity, though not achieving complete remission. Extended rehabilitation combined with structured follow-up may further enhance health-related quality of life and occupational functioning. To ensure accessible and advanced care beyond rehabilitation, a digital, synchronous maintenance program with live health care professional (HCP) interaction offers a promising approach. Objectives This analysis of the Reload 2.0 study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptance of a digital, synchronous, personalized rehabilitation maintenance program for individuals with PCC. Methods A total of 90 PCC patients were enrolled and randomized into either an intervention group (INT) or a control group (CON). The CON group received inpatient rehabilitation only (three weeks), whereas the INT group additionally participated in a 12-week digital maintenance program following inpatient rehabilitation (virtual but live sessions with HCP, small groups up to n = 8, twice weekly for 90 minutes; total of 24 sessions). The maintenance program included medical consultations, respiratory and relaxation therapy, individualized exercise /pacing, education, and mindfulness training. Optional modules included software-assisted cognitive training and/or digital, synchronous psychotherapy (up to 12 sessions). After completion of the intervention, the satisfaction and feasibility was evaluated in the INT via a digital questionnaire. Results Out of 172 eligible PCC patients, n = 90 (age: 51±12 years) agreed to participate in the study (recruitment rate: 52%). The most common reason for refusal was the incompatibility of maintenance program with work commitments (27.3%). The INT group (n = 45, mean age 47±13 years, 22% male, 53.3% reporting fatigue as the main symptom, 20.5% unable to work) attended 85.8% of sessions with no discontinuations (0%). The digital, synchronous format and the time requirements were rated as feasible by 97.4% and 87.2% of participants, respectively. Overall, 97.4% reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the program, and 93.3% expressed a preference for the digital format over in-person maintenance. All participants (100%) stated they would recommend this type of maintenance program. Conclusions A digital, synchronous rehabilitation maintenance program represents a feasible and highly accepted approach for those patients with PCC, who were able to integrate it into their everyday working lives. By combining the strengths of digital delivery and face-to-face interactions, this format enables location-independent and personalized care, thereby helping to bridge gaps in access to continued and appropriate rehabilitation services. This abstract is funded by: Bavarian State Ministry of Care, Health, and Prevention