Treatment and rehabilitation of Long COVID:A scope of the literature. Update January 2024

Summary • We identified 21 randomised controlled trials published between September and December 2023 that were focused on Long COVID treatment or rehabilitation. Across our seven reports produced to date, we have identified and assessed 106 trials published between January 2022 and December 2023. • Eight of the 21 trials focused on treating generalised or multiple symptoms of Long COVID/Post COVID condition. Four trials had a primary focus on persistent problems with the sense of smell or taste (olfactory/gustatory dysfunction) and three others evaluated treatments specifically for fatigue. Two trials had a focus on respiratory or cardiovascular function and physical fitness; one of which also focused on post COVID anxiety and depression. Other trials focused on individuals with post COVID depressive symptoms (n=1); post COVID gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (n=1); and persistent memory impairment (n=1). One trial focused on improving the resilience and quality of life of individuals with Long COVID. • Two trials were rated positively for 12 out of the 13 quality criteria that we assessed. Three trials met 11 criteria and three others met ten criteria. The remaining 13 trials gained a positive rating for between three and nine criteria.