Using brain stimulation to manage symptoms of Long COVID
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation as a Strategy for the Management of Disorders Generated by COVID-19: a Multicentric Study.
This study is testing whether a type of brain stimulation combined with training can help people with Long COVID feel better by reducing symptoms like fatigue, pain, and depression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Universidade Federal de Pernambuco Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Recife, Pernambuco and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06074848 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with motor and cognitive training in alleviating neuropsychiatric symptoms and immune changes associated with Long COVID. Participants will be randomized into groups based on their specific symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, cognitive deficits, or depressed mood, and will receive either real or sham tDCS. Evaluations will include immunometabolic assessments and clinical evaluations at baseline, shortly after the intervention, and during a follow-up period. The goal is to determine if tDCS can help improve symptoms and immune function in individuals suffering from post-COVID disorders.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with Long COVID for more than three months who experience persistent pain, fatigue, depressed mood, or cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with hemodynamic instability, a history of substance abuse, or certain medical implants may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce debilitating symptoms in patients suffering from Long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of tDCS has shown promise in other conditions, this specific application for Long COVID is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Long COVID-19 (\>3 months) * The presence of at least one of the following symptoms, after diagnosed SARS-COV-2 infection: Persistent pain Fatigue Depressed mood Cognitive impairment Exclusion Criteria: * Hemodynamic instability * Historic of use or abuse of drugs or alcohol * Use of medications that may interfere with the study results (anti-inflammatories and antibiotics) * Metallic implant in skull and face * Implant in the central nervous system * Pacemaker
Where this trial is running
Recife, Pernambuco and 1 other locations
- Applied Neuroscience Laboratory-LANA — Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (Recruiting)
- Department of Physical Education, Faculty of Science and Technology — Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil (Not_yet_recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kátia Monte-Silva, PhD
- Email: monte.silvakk@gmail.com
- Phone: +55 81 988631322
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.