1. Effect of using a structured pacing protocol on post-exertional symptom exacerbation and health status in a longitudinal cohort with the post-COVID-19 syndrome.
- Author
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Parker M, Sawant HB, Flannery T, Tarrant R, Shardha J, Bannister R, Ross D, Halpin S, Greenwood DC, and Sivan M
- Subjects
- Humans, Quality of Life, Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, Prospective Studies, Symptom Flare Up, Health Status, COVID-19 therapy, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic
- Abstract
Post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) is a characteristic symptom of post-COVID syndrome (PCS). This prospective study investigated the effect of a 6-week structured World Health Organization (WHO) Borg CR-10 5-phase pacing protocol on PESE episodes and quality of life in a cohort of individuals with long-standing PCS (average duration of symptoms was 17 months). Participants received weekly telephone calls with a clinician to complete the Leeds PESE questionnaire (LPQ) and identify the appropriate phase of the pacing protocol. EQ-5D 5L was completed at the intervention's beginning and end to measure overall health. Thirty-one participants completed the 6-week protocol, with a statistically and clinically significant reduction in the average number of PESE episodes (from 3.4 episodes in Week 1 to 1.1 in Week 6), with an average decrease of 16% (95% CI: 9%-24%; p < 0.001) each week, and reduction across all three exertional triggers (physical, cognitive, and emotional). Physical activity levels showed moderate improvements during the intervention period. Mean EQ-5D 5L scores improved from 51.4 to 60.6 points (paired difference of 9.2 points, 95% CI: 3.2-15.2 points; p = 0.004). A structured pacing protocol significantly reduces PESE episodes and improves overall health in PCS., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Medical Virology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)
- Published
- 2023
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