ReOxy® Featured in Newly Published Long-COVID Study

We are thrilled to announce the publication of a major clinical study conducted at MEDIAN Klinik Flechtingen, showcasing the benefits of ReOxy® for patients with long COVID. Published in the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia, and Muscle, this study highlights the potential of intermittent hypoxic–hyperoxic therapy (IHHT) to revolutionize rehabilitation for long COVID patients.

The Challenge of Long COVID

 Long COVID affects 10–50% of patients, causing fatigue, cognitive decline, and respiratory impairments often tied to lung damage. Despite the significant burden on quality of life and economic productivity, current rehabilitation programs lack specific therapies for respiratory recovery. IHHT has emerged as a promising solution, offering potential improvements in both respiratory and cardiovascular function.

Study Overview

This single-center pilot study investigated the use of IHHT during inpatient rehabilitation for long COVID patients with functional and respiratory impairments. Conducted at MEDIAN Klinik Flechtingen in Germany, 145 patients (mean age: 53.2, 74% female) participated.

Patients were split into two groups:

  • IHHT Group (70 patients): Received IHHT with ReOxy® alongside standard rehabilitation.
  • Control Group (75 patients): Received standard rehabilitation alone.

IHHT sessions involved cycles of hypoxic and hyperoxic breathing using ReOxy®. Key outcomes included improvements in exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), respiratory function, fatigue, and quality of life, evaluated through standardized tests and questionnaires.

Key Findings

1. Improved Exercise Capacity

  • Walking distance improved 2.8x more in the IHHT group (91.7m vs. 32.6m, p < 0.001).
  • Stair-climbing power improved 3.7x more with IHHT (−1.91s vs. −0.51s, p < 0.001).

2. Enhanced Quality of Life

  • Significant reduction in dyspnea and fatigue.
  • Improvements in health-related quality of life scores.

3. Physiological Benefits

  • Reduced blood pressure and heart rate.
  • Increased hemoglobin levels.

4. Safety

  • No adverse events were reported, confirming IHHT with ReOxy® as safe and well-tolerated.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that IHHT using ReOxy® is an effective, safe, and feasible intervention for improving rehabilitation outcomes in long COVID patients. With benefits spanning functional capacity, quality of life, and physiological health, ReOxy® offers hope for faster recovery and improved social and work reintegration.

Stay tuned as we continue to innovate and improve patient outcomes with ReOxy®!

Year: 19 November 2024

 Wolfram Doehner, Azadeh Fischer, Banafsheh Alimi, Jasmin Muhar, Jochen Springer, Christoph Altmann, Per Otto Schueller

Source: Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 2024; 0:1–11 | https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.13628

PMID:  Intermittent Hypoxic-Hyperoxic Training During Inpatient Rehabilitation Improves Exercise Capacity and Functional Outcome in Patients With Long Covid: Results of a Controlled Clinical Pilot Trial

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