Transcutaneous Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation Against Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID: Results of the Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Pilot Trial COVIVA - PubMed
21 hours ago
- #Long COVID
- #Fatigue
- #taVNS
- Study evaluated transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for fatigue in long COVID patients.
- Randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial included 45 participants with 4-week stimulation using a CE-certified device.
- Primary endpoints were fatigue severity (MFI-20) and adherence; secondary endpoints included depression and quality of life.
- Adherence was high (mean 236 min/day, >80% participants), and taVNS was safe with mild side effects like skin irritation.
- No significant differences in fatigue reduction or other outcomes between active and sham groups, suggesting possible placebo effect.
- Larger trials with homogeneous populations and objective biomarkers are needed to assess therapeutic potential of taVNS.