Participants’ Perspectives on Joining a Virtual Rehabilitation Program for Long COVID: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Rationale: Our team has completed a randomized controlled trial of virtual rehabilitation in long COVID. Given the diverse range of symptoms reported in individuals with long COVID and with an ongoing debate on the role of exercise for this condition, questions persist regarding the willingness to engage in this type of intervention. We aimed to explore the perspectives of individuals with long COVID who underwent an 8-week virtual rehabilitation program on their confidence in performing exercises at home as part of virtual rehabilitation program, their reaction when offered to participate in the program and reasons for participating in the trial. Methods: The study randomized 132 individuals with long COVID into either an intervention group (receiving 8-week virtual rehabilitation program along with education and usual care) or a control group (receiving usual care only). Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants of the intervention group at the end of their 8-week program. Each interview was conducted individually via Zoom by an experienced female research associate and was digitally recorded. The data were analyzed using Deductive Thematic Analysis. Results: We identified three preliminary themes: 1) Confidence, guidance, and concerns: Most participants expressed confidence in performing exercises at home. Some participants, while feeling prepared to start exercising, were waiting to receive proper guidance by a professional. A few participants had concerns regarding their ability to perform exercises, post-exertional malaise symptoms, or time commitment. 2) “I'm the lucky one": When finding out they had been assigned to the exercise group, all participants expressed positive feelings such as being “happy,” “enthusiastic,” and “hopeful”. Some described as being the “lucky one” and “being looked after.” 3) Potential benefits and contribution to science: Participants’ reasons for joining the trial were multifaceted. They were seeking answers to better understand their new health condition, hoping to improve their symptoms and physical condition, and access essential health services through the trial. Additionally, they wanted to contribute scientific knowledge to help those experiencing similar challenges. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that participants felt confident and motivated to engage in the virtual rehabilitation program, reassured by professional support and driven by personal health goals and a desire to contribute to research on long COVID.