Teen post-COVID program was feasible, with no clear added symptom benefit
A pilot combining narrative therapy and breathing retraining was acceptable in an NHS clinic, but showed no statistically significant advantage over standard care.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This abstract-based pilot found that a combined psychological and breathing intervention was feasible and acceptable for young people with post-COVID syndrome. It did not show statistically significant differences between groups in the reported outcome comparisons. Improvements over time in both groups cannot be attributed to the added program.
The primary aim was feasibility and acceptability in a small study. The abstract does not report individual follow-up duration or effect estimates, so nonsignificant differences do not establish equivalence.
What researchers found
Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) Impact Score
Combined therapy plus standard care versus standard care alone, over follow-up of unspecified length. No significant change over time was found either.
What supported feasibility
The program was co-designed with young people, and qualitative feedback was positive. Session completion was reported for 14/17 intervention participants, supporting feasibility within this clinic rather than proving symptom benefit.
How to interpret improvement
The SDQ Impact Score showed no significant change over time or between groups. Nearly all secondary outcomes improved over time in both groups, without a statistically significant advantage for the intervention.
The original publication
The breath and mind connection in young people with post-COVID syndrome: feasibility and acceptability of a pilot randomised co-designed intervention.
Wells C, Christie D, Johnston R et al.
Eur J Pediatr · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 41840063
- Record checked
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