Digital Interventions Addressing Cognitive and Psychological Symptoms in Long COVID: Scoping Review of Multicomponent Approaches.

Overview

1. Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
2. Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
3. Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus London, London, SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom, 44 (0)20 7589 5111
4. RISE-Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
5. Department of Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
6. Rehaklinik, Centre Hospitalier Neuro-psychiatrique (CHNP), Ettelbruck, Luxembourg
7. Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
8. University of Säo Paulo, Säo Paulo, Brazil
9. Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
10. Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel, Basel, Switzerland
11. Research Group Self-Regulation and Health, Institute for Health and Behaviour, Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, Luxembourg University, Luxembourg, Luxembourg

Abstract

Background: Long COVID, or postacute COVID-19 syndrome, presents with persistent cognitive and psychological symptoms such as brain fog, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, significantly impacting quality of life and daily functioning. Digital health interventions offer a scalable, accessible solution to bridge care gaps, especially where conventional neuropsychological support is limited. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness for neuropsychiatric symptoms in long COVID remains fragmented.

Objective: This scoping review aimed to systematically identify and map the existing evidence on digital interventions targeting cognitive and psychological symptoms in individuals with long COVID. The review also sought to categorize intervention types, assess reported outcomes, and identify methodological gaps to inform future clinical and research priorities.

Methods: The review followed the Arksey and O’Malley framework and adhered to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Comprehensive searches were conducted in 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect) from December 2024 to February 2025. Eligible studies included peer-reviewed and gray literature published in English or Spanish since 2020. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were extracted using a standardized charting form and synthesized narratively, with thematic grouping by intervention type.

Results: Of 888 records identified, 25 (2.82%) were included. Intervention types encompassed telehealth platforms, mobile health apps, virtual reality, online cognitive and psychological therapies, game-based cognitive training, neuromodulation (transcranial direct current stimulation), and multicomponent programs. Most studies reported improvements in psychological well-being, emotional regulation, and cognitive domains such as attention and memory. However, findings varied, with some interventions showing no significant cognitive gains or sustained effects. Common limitations included small sample sizes, lack of control groups, heterogeneity in outcomes and intervention protocols, and short follow-up durations. The underrepresentation of older adults and underserved populations was also noted.

Conclusions: Digital interventions show promise for addressing cognitive and psychological symptoms in long COVID, particularly when delivered as multicomponent programs. Nonetheless, the evidence base remains preliminary. Future research should prioritize high-quality randomized trials with standardized outcome measures, long-term follow-up, and diverse participant samples. Addressing barriers related to digital literacy and access will be essential to ensure equity and real-world effectiveness.

Reproduced under the paper's license (CC BY), from the paper cited above.

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This paper

León-Herrera, S., Sánchez-Castro, M., Luisa Neves, A., Rodríguez-Pérez, M. P., Jobim Fischer, V., Hutmacher, D., Aldakhil, R., Vaillancourt de Dios, M., Anjos de Almeida, V., Oliván-Blázquez, B., Magallón-Botaya, R., Benoy, C., & Gómez-Bravo, R. (2026). Digital Interventions Addressing Cognitive and Psychological Symptoms in Long COVID: Scoping Review of Multicomponent Approaches. Interactive journal of medical research, 15, e80616. https://doi.org/10.2196/80616

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