Online exercise study reports improved function in children with long COVID
A small exploratory trial compared programme lengths; every participant received individually adapted sessions, leaving the contribution of treatment uncertain.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Participants improved on walking, standing and grip-strength tests, and the study reported better school attendance and quality of life. No adverse events or worsening of symptoms after exertion were observed. Because everyone received therapy, these findings cannot establish how much improvement the programme caused or whether it is broadly safe.
This abstract-based account covers a very small exploratory trial. It reports changes within each treatment group but gives no between-group effect estimate supporting a preferred programme length.
What researchers found
Change in 6-minute walk distance
Within the 12-week group, after therapy versus baseline; 95% CI 98.2–342.4 m. This is not a comparison with the shorter programme.
What the programme involved
Sessions took place by telemedicine and were adjusted to each participant’s physical abilities and symptoms. The study evaluated this individualized approach in children and adolescents with long-lasting symptoms, rather than a standard exercise plan for everyone.
What follow-up can tell us
The researchers reported that improvements persisted at follow-up. That observation describes participants’ progress, but the study design cannot separate therapy-related improvement from changes that might have happened over time without the programme.
The original publication
Individualized online exercise therapy aids recovery in pediatric long-COVID-findings from an exploratory randomized controlled trial.
Goretzki SC, Bergelt M, Weis L et al.
Eur J Pediatr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41493630
- Record checked
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