Serbian researchers explore recovery options for post-Covid syndrome using breathing exercises and creatine supplementation
Researchers from the University of Novi Sad in Serbia investigated how breathing exercises combined with a creatine supplement might aid health recovery after Covid-19. The findings were published in a scientific journal focused on postgraduate medicine and continuing education, highlighting potential strategies for rehabilitation in post-Covid conditions.
Post-Covid syndrome, also known as long Covid, continues to affect a notable share of people who have recovered from the initial infection. Many experience persistent fatigue and ongoing respiratory discomfort that can linger for months and impact daily life.
Creatine is a naturally occurring compound that supports energy production at the cellular level. It has been studied in combination with exercise for a variety of health outcomes. Its role in rehabilitation for long Covid has not been extensively explored until now, making this pilot study particularly exploratory in nature.
The study enrolled eight individuals diagnosed with post-Covid syndrome who reported moderate fatigue and breathing difficulties for at least three months after infection. All participants did not show other cardiopulmonary disturbances beyond this syndrome, ensuring a focused assessment of the rehabilitation approach.
Participants were divided into two groups. One group added four grams of creatine daily to a regimen that included structured breathing exercises. The comparison group performed only the breathing exercises. The intervention lasted three months, with regular monitoring of symptoms and functional capacity.
Results indicated that those receiving creatine in addition to breathing exercises showed notable increases in tissue creatine stores in several areas, including skeletal muscles and certain brain regions. In this group, post-exercise malaise diminished and endurance performance improved, suggesting potential benefits for energy metabolism and recovery during rehabilitation.
In contrast, the control group that practiced breathing exercises alone did not exhibit the same level of resilience in physical tasks. However, all participants across both groups reported a reduction in breathing difficulty and respiratory discomfort by the end of the study, signaling meaningful symptomatic relief through the rehabilitation protocol.
Based on these observations, researchers concluded that creatine supplementation can be a safe and effective option to accompany rehabilitation in people experiencing post-Covid syndrome. This suggests a possible role for creatine as part of a broader recovery plan that includes targeted breathing techniques and graded physical activity.
While the study provides encouraging signals, experts caution that the sample size was small and that longer trials are needed to confirm the durability of benefits and to identify any long-term risks. The researchers emphasize the importance of healthcare supervision when starting supplements and designing rehabilitation programs for post-Covid patients. This approach aligns with a growing interest in integrative rehabilitation strategies that combine nutrition, breathing control, and gradual exercise to support recovery after long Covid.
In the broader clinical context, the trial adds to a growing body of work exploring nonpharmacological options to alleviate lingering symptoms of Covid-19. It underscores the potential synergy between respiratory training and dietary supplements in promoting resilience and functional restoration for individuals dealing with long Covid, with implications for rehabilitation practices in North America and beyond.
These findings may stimulate further research into how specific nutrients influence energy metabolism and fatigue in post-Covid patients. Health professionals are encouraged to consider individual patient needs, monitor responses to supplementation, and coordinate care within multidisciplinary rehabilitation teams to optimize outcomes for those navigating long Covid after infection, including in Canada and the United States.
Related posts:
Creatine Shows Promise for Post-COVID Fatigue Recovery Breathing Through the Nose: How Nasal Breathing Impacts Performance and Health Multinational study on creatine nitrate and caffeine: physical limits, cognitive gains Newcastle researchers link post-COVID fatigue to neural changes and potential neuromodulation therapy How Nose Breathing Supports Health and Sleep Quality Down Syndrome Real-Life Stories Across North America Long-Term COVID Symptoms and Monitoring: What the Latest Research Shows Iron balance and long Covid: Cambridge researchers illuminate a key link Breathing patterns and memory: evidence, implications, and future directions Understanding WHO-based rehab for long COVID fatigue relief Impact of Prenatal Vitamin D and Fish Oil on Infant Croup Risk Canadian and U.S. focus on long-term effects after respiratory infections beyond Covid-19