Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 09, 2024 6 months, 3 weeks, 1 day, 6 hours ago
Long COVID News:
Pilot Study Suggests Non-Invasive Treatment Could Help Those with Persistent Symptoms.
As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of individuals are dealing with long-term effects even after recovering from the initial infection. This condition, known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), commonly referred to as long COVID, includes symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and impaired mobility. A recent pilot study conducted by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine explores a promising new treatment for these debilitating symptoms: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS).
TENS Therapy Shows Promise for Long COVID Pain Relief
What is TENS?
TENS is a non-invasive therapy that uses low-voltage electrical currents to relieve pain. The currents are delivered through electrodes placed on the skin, which stimulate the nerves and potentially reduce pain by blocking pain signals and releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This therapy has been used to manage various types of chronic pain, and researchers are now testing its effectiveness for fibromyalgia-like symptoms in long COVID patients.
The Study at a Glance
The study that is covered in this
Long COVID News report, involved 25 participants who were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a high dose of TENS therapy (referred to as the intervention group), while the other received a low dose, serving as the placebo group. Participants used the TENS device for 3-5 hours daily over four weeks. Researchers assessed their pain, fatigue, and gait (walking ability) before and after the treatment period.
Key Findings
-Pain Relief: The intervention group reported a significant decrease in pain interference with daily activities compared to the placebo group. This suggests that high-dose TENS therapy can effectively reduce chronic pain in long COVID patients.
-Improved Mobility: Participants in the intervention group also showed improvements in gait parameters, such as stride time and walking cadence. These changes indicate better overall mobility and a reduced risk of falls.
-Fatigue Reduction: For those meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for fibromyalgia, the intervention group experienced notable improvements in fatigue levels, highlighting TENS therapy's potential to alleviate this common and debilitating symptom of long COVID.
Understanding Long COVID
Long COVID affects approximately one in 13 adults who recover from COVID-19, with symptoms persisting for months or even years. These symptoms can vary widely but often include musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and cognitive impairments. The exact mechanisms behind long COVID are not fully understood, but it is believed that the vi
rus may cause prolonged inflammation and changes in the nervous system.
Why TENS Might Work
The study authors hypothesize that TENS therapy helps by modulating pain signals in the central nervous system. By stimulating peripheral nerves, TENS may reduce the sensitivity of pain pathways and promote the release of natural pain inhibitors. This mechanism is particularly relevant for fibromyalgia-like symptoms, which involve widespread pain without a clear source.
Practical Implications
The results of this pilot study are promising, but more extensive research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal duration and intensity of TENS therapy for long COVID patients. If further studies support these results, TENS could become a widely accessible and non-invasive option for managing chronic pain and fatigue in long COVID patients.
Next Steps
Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to better understand the long-term benefits and any potential side effects of TENS therapy. Additionally, exploring the combination of TENS with other treatments, such as physical therapy or pharmacological interventions, could provide a more comprehensive approach to managing long COVID symptoms.
Conclusion
TENS therapy represents a beacon of hope for many struggling with the persistent and often debilitating symptoms of long COVID. This pilot study provides a foundation for future research and suggests that with further validation, TENS could be a game-changer in the fight against chronic pain and fatigue brought on by long COVID.
By exploring innovative treatments like TENS, the medical community continues to push forward in improving the quality of life for those affected by this lingering aspect of the pandemic.
References
For more information, the study can be accessed at DOI link:
https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4391458/v1
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Long COVID News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-finds-that-home-based-transcutaneous-auricular-vagus-nerve-stimulation-tavns-therapy-can-help-in-long-covid
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/transcutaneous-electrical-nerve-stimulation-(tens)-may-benefit-women-with-fibromyalgia
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/study-finds-that-home-based-transcutaneous-auricular-vagus-nerve-stimulation-tavns-therapy-can-help-in-long-covid
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