RICOVR was a research and innovation unit set up to identify what works, and what doesn’t, in terms of helping people recover and rehabilitate from Covid-19.

Based at the AWRC throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, RICOVR explored the role that physical activity could play in recovery. Through research and innovation, it provided evaluation and feedback to health and care services that were supporting people directly and indirectly affected by the disease.

The unit addressed the long-term health and wellbeing challenges experienced as the country recovered from the pandemic, and conducted research with people who had experienced long-haul Covid-19 symptoms and who were often facing complex and non-linear recovery journeys.

RICOVR drew on academic expertise in health, behavioural science, engineering, the arts, software design, robotics and sport and exercise science. It worked with communities, the NHS and industry partners to co-produce programmes and products that aid people’s physical, psychological, social and economic recovery.

It supported the NHS and primary care through technology and innovations that help people lead more active lives, as well as providing evaluation and feedback to monitor the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes.

The unit utilised the AWRC’s strategic collaborations with industry-leading health and wellbeing companies by providing access to expertise in rehabilitation, health and fitness, and workplace wellbeing from around the world.

For any queries please contact RICOVR@shu.ac.uk.

Find out more about RICOVR and watch advice sessions around Covid-related fatigue on the AWRC YouTube channel.

Visit the Sheffield Post Covid Rehabilitation Hub, developed by Sheffield Teaching Hospitals to provide specialist advice and support to those with Long Covid-19.