Effects of specialized pro-resolving mediators and telerehabilitation on fatigue, dyspnea & QOL in LC: the ARACOV-02 … trial, 2026, Carpallo-Porcar+

[Chandelier]

Effects of specialized pro-resolving mediators and telerehabilitation on fatigue, dyspnea, and quality of life in post‑COVID‑19 condition: the ARACOV-02 randomized controlled trial

Spoiler: Authors

Carpallo-Porcar, Beatriz; Jiménez-Sánchez, Carolina; Calvo, Sandra; Kolesnyk-Sumskaya, Elena; Aller-Blanco, Ana Isabel; Gómez-Barrera, Manuel; del Corral Beamonte, Esther

Abstract​

Background​

Post‑COVID‑19 Condition (PCC) is characterized by persistent multisystem symptoms, with fatigue and dyspnea among the most disabling. Specialized pro‑resolving mediators (SPMs) may modulate chronic inflammation, while telerehabilitation has emerged as an accessible therapeutic strategy. This randomized controlled trial (ARACOV‑02) evaluated the combined effects of an SPM‑enriched nutritional supplement and a structured telerehabilitation program in individuals with PCC.

Methods​

A triple‑blind randomized controlled trial was conducted with 144 participants (mean age 50 ± 9 years; 82% women) experiencing PCC for more than 12 weeks. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either an SPM‑enriched marine oil supplement or placebo, both combined with a 12‑week asynchronous telerehabilitation program delivered via the HEFORA platform. The primary outcome was health‑related quality of life (EQ‑5D‑5 L). Secondary outcomes included fatigue (FSS), dyspnea (mMRC), respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP), functional capacity (6MWT), and limb strength (30‑s STST, 30‑s ACT). Analyses followed an intention‑to‑treat approach.

Results​

No statistically significant between‑group differences were observed after 12 weeks (p > .05). Both groups showed significant within‑group improvements. In the nutritional group, quality of life increased, fatigue decreased, and functional capacity improved (+ 37.82 m in 6MWT; p < .001). Strength and respiratory pressures also increased significantly. Similar improvements were observed in the placebo group, except for dyspnea. Exploratory adherence-stratified analyses showed larger improvements among participants with higher adherence.

Conclusions​

Although the SPM‑enriched supplement did not show superiority over placebo, adherence‑based analyses suggest potential benefits in highly compliant individuals. Improvements in fatigue, functional capacity, and respiratory strength were observed in both groups after the intervention period. Future biomarker‑guided studies are warranted to identify PCC phenotypes most likely to respond to pro‑resolving nutritional strategies.

Trial registration​

NCT06063031 (registration date: September 27, 2023).

Web | DOI | BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Open Access

 

[Peter T]

How does compliance suggest potential benefit when there were no between group differences?

People were compliant with blood letting and mercury or lead based medicines in their time, does this mean we should still be exploring their clinical use now?

 

[rvallee]

Not sure which part is considered complementary medicine here. The supplement, or the rehabilitation?

There really is no limit to how much "this is new!" will be milked, uh? Evidence has "emerged" that it's... accessible? The hell is this standard? Homeopathy and prayer are even more accessible, so what?

For sure the people who worked the hardest is whoever made the mental gymnastics of "highly compliant individuals", as if it means something. With a small twist it sounds like something a gambling company would boast: "some of our most highly compliant players have the highest winnings".

It's all so damn weak it makes expensive shaken water spicy by comparison.