Exercise and Long Covid: Beyond Either Bad or Good

Overview

Long COVID refers to a range of persistent symptoms that continue for weeks or months after the acute phase of a COVID-19 infection, including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, breathlessness, and cognitive difficulties. These lingering effects can significantly impair daily functioning and quality of life, making rehabilitation a critical component of recovery. However, the approach to rehabilitation for Long COVID remains controversial. While many healthcare professionals advocate for a multidisciplinary, individualized rehabilitation program, there is ongoing debate about the most effective methods, such as the role of exercise, virtual rehabilitation, and the timing of interventions. The lack of consensus and clear guidelines has made it challenging for clinicians to provide standardized care, underscoring the need for further research and evidence-based practices.

Long COVID presents unique challenges requiring adaptable rehabilitation approaches. This workshop empowers physiotherapists with the latest evidence and practical strategies to enhance patient care, expand their professional competencies, and contribute meaningfully to managing this growing public health issue.

Presenter Bio

Dr. Tania Janaudis-Ferreira is an Associate Professor with the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy at McGill University and a Scientist with the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, Canada. The overarching goal of her research program is to improve rehabilitation care and outcomes in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, long COVID and solid organ transplant candidates and recipients.

She has been awarded several national grants as principal investigator from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Quebec Respiratory Health Network, Canadian Lung Association, Canadian Society of transplantation, Kidney Foundation of Canada and Canadian Donation and Transplantation Research Program.