The main aim of this study is to compare the effect of two non-invasive neuromodulation targets in patients meeting WHO criteria for the post-COVID condition. A randomized, parallel, double-blind study will be conducted. Patients will receive 15 neuromodulation sessions through transcranial electrical stimulation for 3 weeks, associated with cognitive stimulation during therapy. The main objective will be to evaluate the change in physical fatigue. As secondary objectives, changes in cognition, depression, pain, quality of sleep and quality of life will be evaluated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of two targets (left dorsolateral prefrontal and M1) of the neuromodulation intervention, together with cognitive stimulation.
Not Provided
Device: transcranial current direct stimulation
Transcranial electrical stimulation over two different brain regions associated with cognitive training. 15 sesions in 3 weeks (5 days/week)
Inclusion Criteria:
- Confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 at least 6 months before the participation in the
study.
- Diagnosis of post-COVID condition according to WHO criteria.
- Age 18-65 years.
- Spanish as native language.
- Sign of written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of stroke
- History of traumatic brain injury or central nervous system infection
- Diagnosis of other neurological or medical disorder that could impact on fatigue.
- Diagnosis of active psychiatric disorder potentially impacting on fatigue or cognitive
function.
- Chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer.
- Severe sensory deficits (e.g. visual loss) that could limit assessments included int
the study protocol.
- Taking drugs or uncontrolled medical disorder potentially causing or worsening
fatigue. Specifically, uncontrolled adrenal insufficiency, miastenic syndromes,
thyroid disorders, cardiac failure, chronic kidney disorders and neurodegenerative
disorders are excluded.
- History of abuse of alcohol or other toxics.
- Any contraindication for transcranial electric stimulation: epilepsy, pregnancy,
metallic implants, brain devices, pacemakers, head injuries).
Hospital Clínico San Carlos.
Madrid, Spain
Jordi A Matias-Guiu, PhD, Principal Investigator
Hospital Clinico San Carlos