Simple breathing exercises show promise for long COVID recovery
NCT ID NCT05024474
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a daily breathing exercise program can help people with long COVID who have weak respiratory muscles. 44 adults with long COVID and reduced inspiratory muscle strength were randomly assigned to either breathing exercises plus physical exercise, or physical exercise alone for 8 weeks. The main goal was to see if the breathing exercises improved lung strength, with additional measures of lung function, physical capacity, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- inspiratory muscle training (breathing exercises)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, at-home breathing exercise program to help people with long COVID regain lung strength and feel better.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 44 participants. The results may not apply to everyone with long COVID, and the breathing exercises may not lead to major improvements.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Karolinska University Hospital
Stockholm, 17176, Sweden
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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