Vagus nerve stimulation for women with Long COVID
Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation on Female Patients With Long COVID - a Pilot Study
This study is testing if vagus nerve stimulation can help women with Long COVID feel better over 12 weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Medical University of Vienna Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Vienna) |
| Trial ID | NCT05918965 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the acceptance, feasibility, and implementation of vagus nerve stimulation in female patients suffering from Long COVID. A total of 45 participants will be randomized into three groups to receive different frequencies of auricular vagus stimulation over a 12-week period. The study will assess various parameters of the autonomic nervous system and Long COVID symptoms through pre/post comparisons. Data will be collected at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 12 weeks of treatment to evaluate the effects of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are female patients aged 18-70 who have been diagnosed with Long COVID.
Not a fit: Patients with certain medical conditions such as malignancies, autoimmune diseases, or those with implanted devices like pacemakers will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new therapeutic option for alleviating symptoms of Long COVID in female patients.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of Long COVID, similar studies using vagus nerve stimulation have shown promising results in other conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female patients with Long COVID (history, physical examination, findings) * age 18-70 years * signed informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Hearing aid implants (cochlear implants) * surgical transection of the vagus nerve * Malignancies * autoimmune diseases * orthopedic diseases * rheumatological diseases * neurological diseases * postoperative, fresh injuries to the ear * febrile diseases * inflammations * psychiatric diseases * pacemakers * implanted cardioverter and defibrillators (ICDs) * seizure disorders * Meniere's disease * negative experience with electrotherapy * insufficient knowledge of the German language
Where this trial is running
Vienna
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna — Vienna, Austria (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard Crevenna, M.D. — Pmr&o
- Study coordinator: Veronika Helbich-Poschacher, M.D.
- Email: veronika.helbich-poschacher@meduniwien.ac.at
- Phone: +4314040043300
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.