Using electro-acupuncture to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms in long Covid patients
Electro-acupuncture for Long Covid Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: a Prospective, Randomized Sham-controlled, Double-blinded Clinical Trial
This study is testing if electro-acupuncture can help people with long Covid feel better by reducing their neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hong Kong Baptist University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kowloon Tong, Kowloon) |
| Trial ID | NCT05890508 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and safety of electro-acupuncture in treating neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with long Covid. It is a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blinded trial involving 150 participants who will be assigned to either the electro-acupuncture group or a sham-control group. Over a 16-week period, participants will receive 32 sessions of treatment, with follow-up assessments conducted for 8 weeks post-treatment. The study aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of electro-acupuncture for this patient population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 who have had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and are experiencing persistent neurological symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing neurological disorders or significant psychiatric illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly alleviate neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients suffering from long Covid.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using electro-acupuncture is relatively novel for long Covid, similar studies in other conditions have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults over 18 years of age to 80; * history of SARS-CoV-2 PCR+ at least 4 weeks prior to study entry; SARS-CoV-2 negative (PCR) at study entry; * at least one persistent neurological symptom (impaired concentration, headache, sensory disturbances, or depression, or "brain fog") that began around the time of the acute COVID-19; * willing and able to consent, complete all assessment and study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * any chronic or remote neurological disorder (i.e. stroke, head trauma, epilepsy, tumor); * intellectual disability pre-existing to the Covid-19 episode;cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmia, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and patients with cardiac pacemakers, * acute brain injury or acute encephalopathy from another aetiology than covid (e.g., sepsis, liver or renal failure, alcohol or drug withdrawal, drug toxicity); * documented pre-existing history of psychiatric illness, including substance abuse; * open-heart cardiac surgery or cardiac arrest during the last 6 months; * current hospitalization; * pregnant women.
Where this trial is running
Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
- Zhong Lidan — Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Linda Zhong, MD., Ph.D
- Email: ldzhong0305@gmail.com
- Phone: 852 34116523
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.