The Team

Dr Ricardo Correia, University of Nottingham

Prof Mark Faghy, Loughborough University

Prof Yang Wei, Nottingham Trent University

Prof Steve Morgan, University of Nottingham

Partners:

Dr Brett Gadsby, Medical Photonics

Long COVID physio

Long COVID support

Project Summary

Long Covid is a complex, persistent condition that affects around 2 million people in the UK and millions more worldwide. Breathlessness and fluctuating respiratory symptoms are among the most debilitating features presented by patients. Despite the scale of the problem, there is a lack of accessible, reliable tools for continuous monitoring of important respiratory parameters that could be targeted with bespoke rehabilitation approaches outside clinical settings.

This project addresses this unmet need by accelerating novel respiratory monitoring technology developed by our team to first application in Long Covid patients. We will evaluate two new sensing technologies: fibre optic respiratory sensing developed at the University of Nottingham and capaciflector sensing developed at Nottingham Trent University. Both technologies can be integrated into comfortable garments for continuous monitoring. This direct comparison will provide robust evidence on the strengths and limitations of each approach, supporting the translation of the most effective technology into real-world use.

Recruitment will be conducted through non-NHS routes, including links with established Long Covid support groups, community organisations, and social media, ensuring broad and inclusive participation. The project will generate new knowledge on wearable respiratory monitoring, inform future clinical adoption, and empower people with Long Covid to better understand and manage their symptoms and inform the development and implementation of effective rehabilitation.

Successful outcomes will accelerate the pathway to impact for digital health innovation in rehabilitation technology.

Contact: ricardo.goncalvescorreia@nottingham.ac.uk