'Support from the Greatest Need Fund has enabled ground-breaking research that has made a real, tangible difference to people struggling to recover from COVID-19.' - Professor Melitta McNarry
Researchers from the Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research centre, with support from the Greatest Need Fund, have trialled a low cost, home-based treatment that could help sufferers of long Covid recover quickly and fully.
Sufferers of long Covid often experience debilitating symptoms including shortness of breath, tiredness and difficulties with the basic tasks of daily living. To combat these symptoms the study used Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT), where a small device restricts airflow to the lungs, helping to strengthen and rehabilitate the respiratory muscles.
The initial findings are extremely promising, indicating that participants are less breathless, fitter and stronger, and feel better about their health and well-being.
These exciting results signal a bright future for the treatment, and the team will be looking to secure funding to explore a nationwide rollout through the NHS.
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This research was funded by the Welsh Government and The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, and lead by Swansea University in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, University of Copenhagen, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Hywel Dda University Health Board.