Background of study:Long COVID(LC) is a prevalent sequalae of SARS-CoV-2 infection and can affect multipleorgan systems. Cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common symptoms in LC with 22%prevalence. It can persist for years and significantly reduce patients' quality of life.Brain network is the neural basis underlying human cognitive processes. Diffusion tensorimaging (DTI) and functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) research has revealed thatalterations of network characteristics were associated with cognitive impairments acrossattention, memory, executive function and language in LC. Currently, there is no acceptedtherapy for cognitive impairment in LC. Acupuncture, as a Traditional Chinese Medicinetherapy, has potential to improve cognitive deficits for LC. However, research focusingon the impact of acupuncture on cognitive functions in LC is rare. Additionally, no onehas evaluated the mechanism of acupuncture improving cognitive functions in LC.Objective of the study:This study aims to assess the effect of acupuncture treatment on cognitive function andexplore the central mechanism of acupuncture therapy in improving cognitive function forLC using cognitive assessments, DTI and resting-state fMRI.Study design:A prospective, three-armed, randomized controlled trial with DTI and rs-fMRI. Adults withLC will be randomly assigned to acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or waitlist control groupin a 1:1:1 ratio, receiving 8-week intervention or waiting. Cognitive function andtopological attributes of brain networks will be examined at baseline and 8th week.Study population:Patients fulfilling World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for LC will be included inthis study.
Not Provided
Other: Acupuncture
Two sets of acupoints will be alternatively acupunctured. The first set of acupuncture
points incudes Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24), bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Qihai (CV6),
Guanyuan (CV4), bilateral Zusanli (ST36), bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6). The second set of
acupoints consist of Sishenchong (EX-HN1), bilateral Ganshu (BL18), bilateral Pishu
(BL20), bilaetral Shenshu (BL23). The treatment consists of 24 sessions of 30 minutes,
given within eight weeks (three sessions per week).A set of acupoints will be
acupunctured each treatment session.
Other: Sham acupuncture
Nonpenetrating acupuncture on non-acupoints will be performed using Park sham acupuncture
device (0.25 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length, Hwatuo, Suzhou, China) for participants.
Two sets of non-acupoints will be alternatively acupunctured. The first set of sham
acupoints includes bilateral non-acupoint 1, non-acupoint 2, non-acupoint 3, bilateral
non-acupoint 4, bilateral non-acupoint 5. The second set consists of bilateral
non-acupoint 6, bilateral non-acupoint 7, bilateral non-acupoint 8. The treatment
consists of 24 sessions of 30 minutes, given within eight weeks (three sessions per
week). A set of non-acupoints will be acupunctured each treatment session.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age 18-60 years
- Fulfilling WHO criteria for long COVID
- History of confirmed COVID-19 through RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab or antigen test
of nasal swab ;
- Having subjective cognitive problems
- Native Chinese speakers
- Right handedness
- Voluntary to participate in the study and signing the informed consent form.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Preexisting cognitive symptoms before COVID-19
- Previous or current diagnosis of chronic conditions that may affect cognitive
performances (such as neurological, psychiatric disorders, organ failure, chronic
infectious diseases)
- Prior loss of consciousness
- History of major surgery within a year
- Long-term use of drugs that may influence cognition(such as tranquilizer,
antidepressant, immunosuppressor)
- Previous acupuncture treatment within 3 months
- Involvement of other clinical study within 4 weeks
- Obesity(BMI≥28)
- Sensory disorders(deafness, color blindness)
- Limb dysfunction
- Metal implantation
- Claustrophobia
- Pregnancy or lactation
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Tingting Luo
+86-18782007605
rose3719@163.com
Not Provided