Acupuncture for Post-COVID Syndrome
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It is best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your healthcare provider.
What data supports the idea that Acupuncture for Post-COVID Syndrome is an effective treatment?
The available research shows that acupuncture may help improve symptoms related to Post-COVID Syndrome. One case report highlights a patient benefiting from acupuncture as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Another study suggests acupuncture can improve the side effects of COVID-19 treatments, which often have harmful side effects. Additionally, acupuncture has been reported to help with respiratory distress and other symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and depression. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.12345
What data supports the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for post-COVID syndrome?
Acupuncture has been shown to help with various symptoms related to COVID-19, such as improving lung function, reducing fatigue, anxiety, and depression, and alleviating respiratory distress. It is considered a useful addition to supportive care for COVID-19-related symptoms, as seen in case reports and reviews.12345
What safety data is available for acupuncture treatments?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe, but it can have adverse events (AEs). Systematic reviews and studies have identified four major categories of AEs: organ or tissue injuries, infections, local reactions, and other complications like dizziness. Serious AEs are rare but can occur, sometimes leading to mortality. The most common complications are infections, often bacterial, due to improper needle use. Ensuring acupuncturists are well-trained and follow safety guidelines, such as the Clean Needle Technique, is crucial for minimizing risks.678910
Is acupuncture generally safe for humans?
Is acupuncture a promising treatment for Post-COVID Syndrome?
How is acupuncture different from other treatments for post-COVID syndrome?
Acupuncture, including variations like electroacupuncture and hand acupuncture, is unique because it involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve symptoms, which is different from conventional drug treatments. It is often used for pain management and may offer benefits for post-COVID syndrome by potentially improving pain and other symptoms without the use of medication.1112131415
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this preliminary study is to test methods and procedures to be used in a fully-powered trial to evaluate acupuncture treatment effectiveness. Specifically, we will test the feasibility of conducting a 2-arm randomized clinical trial for evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain in patients with long COVID. Researchers will compare pain intensity and impact on general activities over 5 months in those who receive acupuncture treatment compared to patients who are receiving usual long COVID care.Participants will complete 4 online surveys at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 20. These surveys include validated mental and physical health questionnaires. Participants who are randomly selected to receive the intervention will receive 8 acupuncture treatment sessions.
Research Team
Nikki Gentile, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Washington
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals experiencing pain due to long COVID. Participants must be willing to complete online health surveys and attend acupuncture sessions if selected. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria details are not provided, but typically involve factors like age, overall health status, and the severity of symptoms.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 8 weekly acupuncture treatment sessions for long COVID-related pain
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture is already approved in United States, European Union, China for the following indications:
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain management
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Neuropathy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Washington
Lead Sponsor
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Collaborator