S24 Is a novel digital breathing & energy management programme effective in reducing symptoms of long COVID?

IntroductionThe most common symptoms of ‘Long COVID’ which is defined as symptoms >12 weeks post COVID infection, are breathlessness and fatigue. Breathing retraining and holistic management for patients suffering with ongoing symptoms of COVID has been recommended to help manage these symptoms.1 Ensuring quality rest and activity energy management is essential for the management of chronic fatigue.1,2 The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a novel digital 6-week breathing & energy group management programme for patients with Long COVID.MethodWe conducted a pilot, cohort, observational study using qualitative questionnaires pre and post intervention between Jan -May 2021. The intervention was led by breathing, fatigue specialist physiotherapists and psychological well-being practitioners. Baseline information was gathered with an individual digital assessment. Participants were enrolled to weekly digital group sessions focusing on breathing retraining and establishing a good energy management balance. A follow up re-assessment was completed post intervention.Results72 participants aged between 24–81, 45 female,27 male, 57 White British, 7 Black British, 2 Black Asian, 6 Other Ethnicity were enrolled. Baseline data showed 87% (n=63) had a breathing pattern disorder (Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool Score> 4.) 69% (n=50) had signs of hyperventilation syndrome (Nijmegen score > 23). 77% were suffering with severe fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) > 5). Outcome measures used were the Self-Reported Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (SR -CRDQ), General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD7), Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ9 and FSS. 86% (n=62) patients had a clinically significant improvement in at least 1 of the SR-CRDQ domains (breathlessness, emotion, fatigue and mastery).53% (n=38) had a clinically significant reduction in FSS. 51% (n=37) patients had a clinically significant improvement in anxiety or depression.ConclusionAnalysis shows that a digital, novel 6 week breathing and energy management programme was beneficial for patients suffering Long COVID. Continued investigation and further research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of breathing retraining and energy management for patients suffering with Long COVID.ReferencesGeorge PM, et al. Respiratory follow-up of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Thorax 2020.Updated NICE guidance on chronic fatigue syndrome. BMJ 2020.