The aim of the study is to access the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for postCOVID-19 fatigue.
Not Provided
Device: Acupuncture
For Shangyitang acupoint, the needle will be inserted towards the direction of nasal tip
horizontally to a depth of 10-20mm without any manipulation, and a pad will be adhered
afterwards. For other acupoints, the needles will be inserted through adhesive pads to
10-20mm. Needles will be lifted, thrust, and twirled for 3 times to achieve deqi
sensation, and will be manipulated every ten minutes during 30-minute maintenance.
Device: Sham Acupuncture
For all the points, the needles will be inserted into adhesive pads without skin
penetration. Needles will be lifted, thrust and twirled for 3 times to mimic real
acupuncture. No manipulation will be conducted during 30-minute maintenance.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Patients aged between 18 and 75.
- Confirmed COVID-19 infection in the past four weeks to six months, and a negative RT
PCR and/or Antigen-Based Rapid Test at present.
- A main complaint of fatigue emerged newly following COVID-19 infection.
- A score of ≥15 on Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS, score range 0-33).
- Participating the trial volunteerly and providing written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Severe anxiety and depression: a score of ≥25 on 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for
Depression (HAMD-17) and/or a score scores >29 on 14-item Hamilton Rating Scale for
Anxiety (HAMA-14).
- Significant cognitive dysfunction or suicidal tendency.
- Usage of anti-anxiety and/or anti-depression treatments over the last three months.
- Previously diagnosed hypothyroidism or chronic fatigue syndrome.
- A complication of serious and poorly controlled underlying diseases.
- Having symptoms indicating emergency or severe conditions.
- Concurrent use of other anti-fatigue agents or treatments at present.
- Impaired walking ability.
- Pregnant and/or lactating or planning to get pregnant in the next 4 months.
Not Provided
Yuanjie Sun
86 18810337542
puzhisun@163.com
Not Provided