RESEARCHERS at Bournemouth University are looking for volunteers from Dorset to help with new trial aimed at helping people with long term symptoms of COVID-19. 

The research team are looking to recruit people over the age of 18 who are still experiencing symptoms twelve weeks after a positive COVID-19 test.

The trial will explore whether personalised advice about their health and lifestyle could help them regain certain day-to-day activities more quickly, compared to existing Government guidance.

Post-COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long-COVID, is associated with a variety of symptoms ranging in severity, frequency and time.

The most debilitating symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction, which are often compounded by a sedentary lifestyle.

Participants in the trial will be asked to attend two face-to-face assessments at a Bournemouth University laboratory over a nine-week period.

These sessions will include physical and questionnaire-based assessments. 

Dr Matthew Armstrong, leader of the trial and lecturer in Exercise Physiology at Bournemouth University said: “At the moment, there is a lack of long-term support for people with symptoms of post-COVID-19,” 

“Due to its complexity and a high number of reports that mental and physical exertion can trigger the relapse of symptoms, typical rehabilitation approaches may not be suitable to every individual”.

“Therefore, we want people in the local area to help us find out if providing personalised health behaviour tips could be safe and effective at regaining certain day-to-day activities and whether this can positively impact the physical and psychological symptoms of the condition.”