“A Light at the End of the Tunnel”—Post-COVID Condition and the Role of Rehabilitation and Recovery Intervention Delivered in a Football Club Community Trust: A Qualitative Study

TL;DR

This study explores how a 12-week exercise program run by a football club helped people with long-term effects of COVID-19 improve their physical health and quality of life.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into how community-based exercise programs can support recovery from post-COVID conditions.

Findings

Participants reported improved exercise capacity, fatigue, and breathlessness.

Emotional well-being, confidence, and anxiety levels improved among participants.

Tailored exercise plans helped participants manage symptoms and regain control of their lives.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study explored the lived experiences of individuals with post-COVID condition (PCC) who participated in a 12-week exercise rehabilitation and recovery programme (PCCRRP) delivered by a professional football club community trust (FCCT). The aim was to understand the effects of the programme on physical function and quality of life (QoL). This study aims to address the gap in the literature of a lack of qualitative research exploring the experiences and perspectives of individuals engaging in exercise and physical activity as part of their recovery from PCC. Furthermore, it seeks to provide in-depth participant accounts to better understand outcome-level data. Methods: A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with seven participants (mean age of 52 ± 8.54 years, with ages ranging from 45 to 60 years) following the 12-week PCCRRP to explore perceived changes in physical function and QoL. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data, including participants’ narratives on their QoL experiences. Results: Participants reported improvements in exercise capacity, fatigue, and breathlessness, leading to enhanced physical function and QoL. They also experienced improvements in emotional well-being, including increased confidence and reduced anxiety. The programme’s focus on tailored exercise plans empowered participants to manage their symptoms and regain control over their lives. Conclusions: The PCCRRP delivered by an FCCT had positive effects on the physical function and QoL of individuals with PCC. This highlights the potential of FCCTs in providing effective rehabilitation and support for individuals with PCC.