Volunteer to take part in a study!

The following studies are open to recruitment so get in touch.

 
The role of the carotid chemoreflex in long-COVID.

Have you had COVID-19? 
We are looking for volunteers to take part in a study examining the mechanisms underlying long-COVID. We aim to investigate whether 'switching off' the carotid bodies can improve breathing efficiency during exercise, and reduce hyperventilation at rest, in people with long-COVID.

Who can take part?
Men and women (18-75 years) with a previous positive COVID-19 swab (PCR) result, with symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks or lasting longer than 12 weeks.

Taking part involves:
• A telephone consultation to screen eligibility for the study
• Three visits to the Clinical Research facility (CRF; which is in St Michaels hospital, Bristol)
• Wearing a blood pressure monitor for 24 hours at home
• An infusion of dopamine and saline (separate visits) at rest and during exercise
• Resting carotid body testing wearing a tight-fitting face mask in two different visits
• An exercise test on a bike (12 mins of exercise) wearing a tight-fitting face mask in two different visits
• Giving two 20ml venous blood samples (4 teaspoons over 2 visits).

We will reimburse you for your time and travel to the CRF. Participants will receive a total reimbursement of £25 per study visit.
For more information contact: hazel.blythe@bristol.ac.uk or call 07483 973 262 or visit our website.