COMLOC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Cognitive Muscular Therapy for patients with long-COVID and breathing pattern disorder
IRAS ID
339111
Contact name
SJ Preece
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Salford
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Long COVID (LC) is a complex multi-system disorder with symptoms such as breathlessness, muscle aches, chest tightness and fatigue, that persist 12 weeks beyond the initial infection. 95% of LC patients have a breathing problem called dysfunctional breathing, a term describing an alteration in the mechanical/muscular control of breathing. Characteristics of dysfunctional breathing include hyperventilation, less movement of the diaphragm and/or altered coordination between the diaphragm and ribs. It is possible that for many people with LC, breathlessness is the result of dysfunctional breathing, rather than problems with gas exchange. It is, therefore, important to develop interventions for LC, specifically designed to improve the mechanics of breathing.
Dysfunctional breathing patterns have been linked with increase muscle tension in the abdominal muscles. This tension prevents the abdomen expanding and therefore blocks the diaphragm moving down and the ribs moving up. This leads to respiratory changes such as breathing higher in the chest and less diaphragm movement leading to shallow breathing and an increase in the body’s stress response. Given this link between abdominal muscle tension, breathing mechanics, and functioning of the autonomic nervous system, interventions are required which can be used to re-educate posture and improve breathing mechanics.
A novel approach, Cognitive Muscular Therapy (CMT), combines psychologically informed practices with muscle biofeedback training to reduce muscle overactivity and achieve better postural balance. We propose a pilot study to investigate the potential effectiveness of CMT delivered over 7 sessions, with integrated breathing visualisation, for people with LC. We hypothesise that this intervention will deliver benefits in respiratory function and reduce symptoms of the body’s stress response.
In summary, LC management requires new approaches that address its complex nature. CMT shows promise but further rigorous evaluation is required through comprehensive clinical trials.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
24/ES/0028
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion