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University of York

Researchers team up with NHS to produce chair-based exercises during lockdown

Posted on 27 April 2020

Academics from the University of York are using their research to help people stay fit and healthy during the COVID-19 lockdown.


The chair-based exercises help people working from home and those recovering from Coronavirus. Credit: University of York

The project is a collaboration between the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York, Oxford Brookes University and the NHS. Together they  have developed a specific chair-based exercise programme – which is being used by the NHS - to help people working from home and those recovering from Coronavirus.

Exercise

Professor Patrick Doherty's research area, in exercise for patients with heart disease, has led to the development of a programme of chair-based exercises that have been adapted for use by the NHS during this crisis.

This is the first in a series of short online videos to help people stay fit at home and in doing so reduce the burden on the NHS.

Wellbeing

Professor Doherty said: “Exercising safely and effectively at home, either as a post COVID-19 patient or as a consequence of lockdown or social distancing, is essential to keep fit and healthy.

"Our health and wellbeing research programmes at the University of York rely on patients, in the NHS, volunteering for studies so it's a privilege to give something back and to make our research count where it matters by benefiting the NHS and patients directly. 

"You can use these exercises if you have trouble getting up and about, or even if you just want a change of activity on days you can’t get outdoors. Even a small amount of activity can be a tremendous boost to our wellbeing and help you to tone and strengthen.”

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Our response to the coronavirus pandemic

We're working with partners in York and further afield as part of a global effort to fight the COVID-19 virus. From covid analysis in the labs to producing face shields for the frontline, we're using our knowledge and expertise to support the effort.