Major new Lancet study proves ENO Breathe programme improves long COVID symptoms

“Six years on from the start of the pandemic, we are extremely proud that ENO Breathe has been supported by this important evidence, demonstrating the real impact the programme has had for people living with long COVID. These findings strongly validate what our participant data has consistently shown since the programme began. Research like this continues to show the powerful role the arts can play within healthcare, particularly when delivered in close partnership with clinicians. Building on this, we now look forward to expanding ENO Breathe further to support people living with COPD and asthma.”

Beth Warnock, Director of Engage, ENO’s learning and participation department

“Long COVID is still a really important health issue, negatively impacting quality of life and limiting what people can do, and this study shows that ENO Breathe can improve a range of symptoms in the real world, not just in a clinical trial. The participants experienced important improvements in respiratory symptoms, mental health, and quality of life, all while doing something they really enjoyed. Central to this programme is that it treats people as people, not just numbers, and capitalises on their pleasure in joining in with others.”

Lead author of the study, Dr Keir Philip, Clinical Lecturer at the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London and an Honorary Consultant in Respiratory and General Medicine at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

“These findings provide robust evidence that ENO Breathe can deliver meaningful improvements in both physical and psychological outcomes for people living with long COVID. What is particularly encouraging is the programme’s ability to complement existing clinical care, offering patients a structured, accessible way to regain control of their breathing and overall wellbeing. This study highlights the important role that evidence-based, multidisciplinary approaches - including creative health interventions - can play in supporting recovery at scale.”

Dr Sarah Elkin, Medical lead for ENO Breathe and Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer Imperial College

"Creativity is key to our approach: participants don’t just learn techniques, they discover what works for them. By using imagery and imagination, we help people get out of their own way, unlocking a new perspective and restoring a sense of agency. Singing lullabies builds emotional connections with the wider set of ideas and practices that make up ENO Breathe. Participants finish sessions with a calming song in their hearts and a positive connection to tools, making them more memorable, more meaningful and more usable. It is incredibly encouraging to see this approach now robustly validated by a major study published in The Lancet Digital Health, evidencing that ENO Breathe can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for people living with long COVID.”

Suzi Zumpe, Creative Director of ENO Breathe