Post/Long Covid Research
The Schmieder clinics conduct research together with university partners to understand post and long COVID and to develop targeted forms of therapy for patients. In the clinics in Konstanz and Gailingen, this research work is integrated into the specialised post/Long Covid Rehabilitation program offered there.
Evaluation of motor fatigue
A working group headed by Prof. Dr. Christian Dettmers, Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, deals with the evaluation of motor fatigue, i.e., the subjective feeling of premature physical fatigue and exhaustibility and objectively measurable physical performance, which is measured in the context of two treadmill examinations. Dr. Christian Weich, University of Konstanz, is responsible for the test methodology and data collection. More than 70 patients: were already examined when walking on the treadmill and during a loading test on the bicycle ergometer. The initial results are promising: many patients are significantly more powerful than they assess it themselves.
Facets of Fatigue
A second working group headed by PD Dr. Jennifer Randerath, University of Konstanz and Vienna, also deals with the measurement of cognitive and emotional fatigue and fatigability. It is about understanding better what the facets of fatigue can look like. The researchers say that the symptoms are very diverse and range from muscle weakness to difficulties of concentration to the feeling of being emotionally exhausted.
Balance reactions
First findings of the study “Equilibrium, postural stability and proprioception” indicate deficits of balance, upright posture and the unconscious perception of one’s own movement, position, tension, posture and location in space in post/long Covid patients: women. The working group of Prof. Dr. Michael Jöbges, Kliniken Schmieder Konstanz, the diagnosis and therapy system Hunova from robotics available.
Psychotherapeutic view
In the working group of Prof. Dr. Michael Witthöft, University of Mainz, and Prof. Dr. Daniela Mier, University of Konstanz, is recorded which mental disorders are present or have existed in people with post/long COVID and which changes occur in cognitive and emotional processing. In behavioural therapeutic groups, a total of 60 patients have learned strategies for dealing with symptoms, emotions and thoughts. Dr. Gunnar Birke, chief physician Psychotherapeutic neurology in Gailingen, involved as a researcher. The project also investigates whether the changes by means of functional imaging are comprehensible. The researchers: women therefore work closely with the working group of Prof. Dr. Christoph Stippich, Medical Director of Neuroradiology and Radiology in Allensbach, together. In another subproject of Prof. It is about cognitive and emotional factors that are examined by means of functional brain imaging and possible psychopathology by means of interviews.
Investigation of the cortisol course wake-up reaction
In this project, the cortisol wake-up reaction by saliva samples is being investigated in order to clarify a possible cause of the exhaustion complaints in the immune or hormonal system. The researchers around Prof. Dr. Jens Pruessner, University of Konstanz, collects saliva samples after the participants wake up, in which the cortisol concentration can be determined. In healthy adults, the cortisol concentration of cortisol concentrations occurs in the first 30 minutes after awakening. The investigations showed that the increase in people with chronic symptoms of exhaustion is reduced or does not remain completely. The study can provide a valuable indication for the elucidation of the symptoms of exhaustion in many post/long Covid patients.
Analysis of MRI Imaging
Prof. Dr. In cooperation with the clinics Schmieder Konstanz and Gailingen, Christoph Stippich, holds accompanying imaging studies with MRI on structural and quantitative changes in post/long COVID, which are being investigated as part of clinical MRI diagnostics, which are being investigated as part of clinical MRI diagnoses. Structural changes to the brain of post/long COVID patients are recorded and placed in correlation to the results of the other projects.
