Post-COVID syndrome is a condition that affects some people after recovering from theacute phase of COVID-19. Common symptoms include persistent fatigue, reduced physicalcapacity, and difficulties performing everyday activities, which can significantly impactquality of life and independence. At present, there is limited scientific evidence oneffective rehabilitation strategies for this population.The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the use of a whole-bodyelectrostimulation suit can improve fatigue, physical performance, and functionalindependence in people with post-COVID syndrome. Whole-body electrostimulation is anon-pharmacological technique that uses low-frequency electrical impulses to activatemultiple muscle groups simultaneously and has shown potential benefits in other clinicalpopulations.This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot clinical trial. Participants will berandomly assigned to either an experimental group, which will receive active whole-bodyelectrostimulation during functional activities, or a control group, which will followthe same sessions using the electrostimulation suit with minimal stimulation (placebocondition). Neither participants nor outcome assessors will know which group eachparticipant belongs to.The intervention will consist of 12 supervised sessions conducted once per week. Outcomeswill be assessed before and after the intervention, with an additional follow-upassessment three months later. The main outcomes include fatigue levels, functionalcapacity, physical performance, and independence in activities of daily living. Safetyand tolerance to the intervention will be monitored throughout the study.The results of this study may help to determine the feasibility and potentialeffectiveness of whole-body electrostimulation as a rehabilitation tool for people withpost-COVID syndrome and provide preliminary data for future larger-scale clinical trials.
Post-COVID syndrome, also referred to as long COVID, is characterized by the persistence
of physical, functional, and cognitive symptoms following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, and limitations in activities of daily living are
among the most frequently reported and disabling symptoms. Despite the growing number of
affected individuals, evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for this population remain
limited.
Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a non-pharmacological intervention that
involves the simultaneous activation of large muscle groups through low-frequency
electrical impulses delivered via surface electrodes integrated into a wearable suit.
This technique allows muscle activation with low mechanical load and has shown potential
benefits in improving physical performance and functional capacity in different clinical
populations. However, its effectiveness in individuals with post-COVID syndrome has not
yet been established.
This study is designed as a randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot clinical trial to
evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effectiveness of a WB-EMS-based
intervention in people with post-COVID syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned
to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving active WB-EMS during the
performance of functional activities, and a control group undergoing the same
intervention protocol with minimal electrical stimulation, intended to act as a placebo
condition. Both participants and outcome assessors will be blinded to group allocation.
The intervention will consist of 12 supervised sessions, delivered once per week. Session
duration will progressively increase from 10 to a maximum of 20 minutes, according to
participant tolerance and protocol progression. Electrical stimulation parameters will be
individualized and adjusted to achieve visible and tolerable muscle contractions in the
experimental group, while remaining at non-therapeutic levels in the control group.
Functional activities performed during the sessions will be selected and graded by
qualified health professionals, with the aim of improving physical capacity, fatigue
management, and independence in activities of daily living.
Outcome measures will be collected at baseline (pre-intervention), immediately after
completion of the intervention (post-intervention), and at a three-month follow-up.
Primary outcomes include fatigue and functional capacity. Secondary outcomes include
physical performance, muscle strength, and independence in activities of daily living.
Safety outcomes and adverse events will be monitored throughout the study.
As a pilot trial, this study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the
intervention, as well as to generate preliminary data on its potential therapeutic
effects. The findings will inform the design of future larger-scale randomized controlled
trials and contribute to the development of rehabilitation strategies for individuals
with post-COVID syndrome.
Device: Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Suit
The intervention consists of the use of a whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) suit
with integrated surface electrodes designed to stimulate multiple large muscle groups
simultaneously. Electrical stimulation is delivered at low-to-moderate frequencies and
individualized intensities during supervised functional activities. Stimulation
parameters are adjusted according to participant tolerance to achieve visible and
tolerable muscle contractions. Sessions are conducted once per week for a total of 12
sessions, with progressive increases in session duration from 10 to 20 minutes. In the
control condition, the same device is used with minimal, non-therapeutic electrical
stimulation.
Inclusion Criteria:Adults aged 18 years or older.
Diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome (long COVID), with persistent symptoms following
SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Presence of fatigue and/or functional limitations associated with post-COVID syndrome.
Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Ability to participate in the intervention and assessments according to the study
protocol.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participation in other structured physical exercise or rehabilitation programs during the
study period.
Presence of severe cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled medical conditions that
contraindicate physical activity or electrostimulation.
Neurological disorders or severe neuromuscular diseases.
Use of anabolic drugs or medications that may interfere with muscle function.
Pregnancy.
Epilepsy.
Active skin lesions or dermatological conditions in areas where electrodes are applied.
Recent oncological surgery.
Acute venous thrombosis.
Presence of cardiac pacemakers or implanted electronic or conductive medical devices.
Any clinical deterioration or condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, would
make participation unsafe.
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