Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), encompasses a range of persistent symptoms that continue beyond the initial recovery from COVID-19. Among these, respiratory issues such as breathlessness and reduced lung function are prevalent, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation has emerged as a cornerstone in managing these symptoms, with respiratory equipment playing a pivotal role in facilitating recovery.​
At HaB Direct, we supply evidence-based respiratory tools such as POWERbreathe Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) devices and Ganshorn lung function testing systems. These are are proving vital in long COVID recovery programmes.​
Understanding Long COVID and its Respiratory Impact
Long COVID can affect the lungs for months after the initial illness. Studies have identified symptoms such as:​
- Dyspnoea (shortness of breath)​
- Reduced lung function, especially FEV1 and FVC​
- Decreased respiratory muscle strength​
- Fatigue
- Exercise intolerance associated with cardiovascular dysfunction
One study published in The Lancet found that fatigue, disturbed sleep, and breathlessness were highly prevalent symptoms reported across hospitalised, non-hospitalised, and mixed cohorts.
The Role of Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Equipment
Pulmonary rehabilitation has become a recommended strategy to help manage post-COVID respiratory symptoms. A 2023 systematic review in Respiratory Research found that pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improved exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients.
These programmes often combine physical exercise, breathing techniques, and the use of respiratory devices to support recovery.
A 2022 study protocol published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health outlines the COVID-Rehab study. It aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programme for individuals experiencing persistent breathlessness and fatigue following COVID-19. The programme includes supervised aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, and breathing exercises, with the goal of improving cardiorespiratory fitness and overall quality of life.
Inspiratory Muscle Training with POWERbreathe
POWERbreathe IMT devices, including the Classic, Plus, and K-Series, provide resistance-based breathing training. These tools strengthen the inspiratory muscles—primarily the diaphragm—improving respiratory efficiency and reducing breathlessness.​
A randomised controlled trial published in ERJ Open Research found that IMT significantly improved inspiratory muscle strength. It also shows IMT can improve exercise capacity, and quality of life in long COVID patients. Participants using IMT devices demonstrated measurable increases in maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax) and decreased feelings of fatigue.
In addition, a 2024 study by Sánchez Milà et al. examined the effects of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme that included respiratory training. The study found significant improvements in lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in post-COVID-19 patients following a combined neurological and respiratory rehabilitation plan.
A 2023 clinical trial protocol published in PLOS ONE outlines a home-based inspiratory muscle training (IMT) programme using the POWERbreathe device for individuals going through long COVID recovery. The study aims to assess improvements in respiratory muscle strength, dyspnoea, and quality of life after six weeks of training.
POWERbreathe Inspiratory Muscle Trainers range includes:
- POWERbreathe Classic & Plus IMT: Manual devices with adjustable resistance​
- POWERbreathe K-Series IMT: Digital devices offering real-time feedback and performance tracking software​
- POWERbreathe Smart Adaptor: Enables integration with the ActiBreathe app for progress monitoring and strength testing​ using the POWERbreathe Plus IMT device.
IMT with POWERbreathe is also used in NHS rehabilitation programmes, reflecting growing clinical acceptance. The POWERbreathe Medic Inspiratory Muscle Training (IMT) device is available for prescription on the NHS for patients with conditions such as COPD, heart failure, asthma, thoracic surgery, ventilator weaning, cystic fibrosis, and neuromuscular disease. This indicates its broader integration into NHS treatment protocols. Additionally, NHS trusts such as Oxford University Hospitals and South Tees Hospitals have implemented IMT using POWERbreathe devices as part of their patient care strategies.
How to use a POWERbreathe Inspiratory Muscle Trainer
Make sure you are sitting or standing upright and feel relaxed. Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, making sure that your lips cover the outer shield to make a seal, and the mouthpiece bite blocks are gripped between your upper and lower teeth.
Breathe out as far as you can, emptying your lungs of air.
Then take a fast, forceful breath in through your mouth, taking in as much air as you can as quickly as possible whilst expanding your chest.
The device is designed to provide resistance to this inhalation to exercise the diaphragm and respiratory muscles.
Breathe out slowly and passively from your mouth until your lungs are empty. Let the muscles in your chest and shoulders relax.
Monitoring long COVID Recovery with Ganshorn SpiroScout
Monitoring lung function is essential during long COVID rehabilitation. The Ganshorn SpiroScout, available from HaB Direct, is the world’s first ultrasonic flow sensor spirometer to measure flow and volume simultaneously without delay or distortion.​
As a portable device, the SpiroScout enables flexible assessments outside of traditional clinic settings. Healthcare professionals can carry it for use at a patient’s bedside or during home visits, offering convenience for individuals who are unable to travel due to fatigue or mobility issues.
Ganshorn SpiroScout
The Ganshorn SpiroScout offers high-precision pulmonary function testing.
Ganshorn’s unique SprioScout delivers strong performance, low consumption and easy handling, saving you time.
With its precise tracking of key lung parameters such as FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio, the SpiroScout allows clinicians to:​
- Detect and monitor respiratory impairment​
- Track recovery progress​
- Tailor rehabilitation interventions based on lung capacity and volume trends​
The SpiroScout’s high accuracy and real-time waveform analysis also make it suitable for research applications and clinical use in respiratory clinics.​
Supporting Self-Monitoring: Spiropet Spirometer
While advanced spirometry tools like the Ganshorn SpiroScout are essential in clinical settings, home-use options such as the Spiropet Spirometer provide a simple yet effective way for patients to monitor their lung function between appointments.
Spiropet Spirometer
This low cost hand-size SpiroPet Spirometer measures lung capacity (FVC) from 1 to 7 litres.
Includes 50 mouthpieces.
The Spiropet is designed for ease of use, displaying results via a colour-coded flow indicator. This allows users to track their progress during rehabilitation and spot potential issues early. Its compact and user-friendly design makes it ideal for long COVID patients managing recovery at home.
Combining Respiratory Tools for Holistic Recovery
Integrating inspiratory muscle training with lung function monitoring offers a comprehensive approach to long COVID rehabilitation. While POWERbreathe devices help rebuild respiratory strength and endurance, tools like the SpiroScout allow practitioners to objectively assess lung function improvements over time.​
This combination supports personalised rehabilitation plans and provides measurable outcomes, empowering both patients and clinicians.​
Final Thoughts
The role of respiratory equipment in long COVID recovery is increasingly backed by clinical studies and real-world results. Whether you are a healthcare provider or part of a rehabilitation facility, equipping your patients with the right tools is vital for helping them regain control of their respiratory health.​
At HaB Direct, we are proud to offer a clinically validated selection of respiratory devices that support recovery from long COVID and beyond.​
Explore our range of POWERbreathe IMT devices and Ganshorn lung function systems to learn how they can benefit your rehabilitation practice.
