At its core, breathwork is a holistic practice that harnesses the power of conscious breathing to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. From ancient yogic pranayama techniques to modern therapeutic modalities, breathwork offers a diverse array of tools for cultivating respiratory health and inner balance.
In the context of Long COVID, breathwork holds promise as a non-invasive, accessible intervention that addresses both the physiological and psychological aspects of respiratory dysfunction.
By engaging in intentional breathing practices, individuals can enhance lung capacity, oxygenation, and overall respiratory efficiency while mitigating stress and anxiety that can arise from having to deal with the devastating impacts on everyday life caused by Long COVID.
While Long COVID is not a psychological or psychosomatic disease, going through it can affect the psyche.
If a patient suffers from symptoms, such as anxiety-induced breathlessness and panic attacks, breathwork could help address these symptoms.
Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, coherent breathing, and breath awareness serve to regulate the autonomic nervous system, promoting relaxation and restoring equilibrium in the face of adversity.
In this blog we want to evaluate scientific findings assessing the potential benefits of breathing exercises for people affected by Long COVID.
Inspiratory and respiratory muscle strength training
A systematic review focusing on respiratory muscle strength training in Long COVID patients found that these exercises significantly improved inspiratory muscle strength, reduced dyspnea, and enhanced quality of life. The study highlighted the benefits of Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) as a standalone intervention.
Moreover, a best practice proposal published in the Sports Medicine – Open Journal found that IMT alone significantly improved inspiratory muscle strength and reduced dyspnea in Long COVID patients. These exercises helped enhance overall quality of life by making breathing easier and more efficient.
A review in the journal Diseases highlighted that breathing exercises, especially inspiratory muscle training, can significantly improve respiratory function and overall physical performance in Long COVID patients.
Additionally, a study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research found that breathing exercises could address hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing patterns, improving respiratory efficiency.
Beneficial effects of pulmonary rehabilitation
A systematic review evaluated the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in the post-acute phase of COVID-19. The study included various respiratory exercises and found that they significantly improved pulmonary function, physical performance, and reduced symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue. The review emphasized the effectiveness of breathing exercises as a core component of rehabilitation.
Another review indicated that respiratory rehabilitation, including specific breathing exercises, improved lung function and physical performance. These exercises were particularly effective in restoring respiratory capacity and alleviating breathlessness.
Combined treatments might offer additional benefits.
While breathing exercises alone are beneficial, their effects are often enhanced when combined with other treatments such as aerobic training, strength training, and psychological support.
For example, combining breathing exercises with aerobic activities like walking or cycling can further improve cardiovascular and pulmonary endurance. Strength training helps improve overall muscle strength, including respiratory muscles, and psychological support addresses mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which can arise from the symptom burden of Long COVID.
Some studies did not report a benefit
Not all studies have shown positive outcomes for breathing exercises. For instance, a study evaluating a home-based inspiratory muscle training program found no significant improvement in maximal functional capacity compared to usual care, suggesting that while some benefits were noted, the primary endpoint was not achieved.
Another study even indicated that in cases of chronic hyperventilation and dysfunctional breathing, standard breathing exercises might be harmful. All breathing interventions need careful adaptation to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
It is important to keep in mind, that Long COVID treatment is complex and requires a personalized approach.
Breathing exercises should be adapted to each patient's specific needs and conditions, ideally under professional supervision. While beneficial for many, these exercises need to be carefully managed to avoid potential harm and maximize their positive impact on recovery.
How breathing apps could support
Apps for breathing exercises could be highly beneficial for Long COVID patients by providing structured, guided routines that help improve respiratory muscle strength, reduce dyspnea, and enhance overall lung function. Additionally, these apps offer the convenience of personalized, on-demand support, making it easier for patients to incorporate breathing exercises into their daily lives and track their progress over time.
In an upcoming blog post we will present a number of apps that can help with breathing exercises and assess their advantages and disadvantages with regards to Long COVID management and accessibility.
