Differential therapy of post-Covid syndrome in medical rehabilitation (PCS-MR)

Post/long COVID syndrome occurs as a consequence of an acute infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Persistent symptoms over a period of 4 weeks after infection are referred to as long COVID, persistence of more than 12 weeks is referred to as post-COVID syndrome (PCS). This new clinical picture affects various organ systems as part of a complex multisystem disease. It mainly affects the lungs, brain, central and peripheral nerves, joints and the cardiovascular system.

Among the leading symptoms, general tiredness and weakness (fatigue), exercise intolerance and cognitive disorders (lack of concentration, memory impairment) affect patients and lead to significant restrictions in quality of life and ability to work even months after the actual infection. The prevalence of PCS varies depending on the patient population studied and is assumed to be up to 15% across all patients. The pathogenesis of PCS has not been clarified and also appears to differ between different patient (groups). Possible causes include long-term tissue damage, the persistence of viruses/viral components and chronic (hyper)inflammation and/or autoimmune phenomena. Accordingly, therapy or rehabilitation is currently predominantly symptom-orientated and based on established procedures for the treatment of other diseases.

The extent to which these classic therapeutic measures are efficient is the subject of current research. The aim of the planned studies is to investigate the effectiveness of adapted therapies in the areas of endurance training, respiratory therapy and nutritional therapy with regard to improving the main symptoms as part of medical rehabilitation. To this end, the current project will 1) compare interval and continuous aerobic endurance training, 2) analyse the effects of speleotherapy on pulmonary diffusion capacity and 3) investigate the effect of protein supplementation on cognitive performance. We assume that the targeted adaptation of the relevant therapeutic areas can positively influence the medium and long-term healing process of patients with PCS.