CompletedNot Applicable

Pain Relief With Integrative Medicine (PRIMe)?: Feasibility of Acupuncture for Long COVID

United States93 participantsStarted 2024-06-21

Plain-language summary

The goal of this preliminary study is to test methods and procedures to be used in a fully-powered trial to evaluate acupuncture treatment effectiveness. Specifically, we will test the feasibility of conducting a 2-arm randomized clinical trial for evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain in patients with long COVID. Researchers will compare pain intensity and impact on general activities over 5 months in those who receive acupuncture treatment compared to patients who are receiving usual long COVID care. Participants will complete 4 online surveys at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 20. These surveys include validated mental and physical health questionnaires. Participants who are randomly selected to receive the intervention will receive 8 acupuncture treatment sessions.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 18 years of age at the time of consent. * Previous suspected, probable, or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, as defined by the Pan American Health Organization * Report pain symptoms including musculoskeletal pain (joint, muscle, bone pain), chest pain, abdominal pain, headache, back pain, nerve pain, and pain in ear following a SARS-CoV-2 infection that has persisted for at least 12 weeks and is still present at the time of consent. * Report pain intensity (0-10 scale) ≥4 in the last 7 days.28 * As of today, has been seen by a clinician in the UW Long COVID Clinic either in-person or via telehealth/virtual visit * Able to speak and read English and provide informed consent to complete the study requirements. Exclusion Criteria: * \<18 years of age at the time of consent. * Reports absence of pain, pain for less than 12 weeks, or a pain intensity \<4 over the last 7 days. * Report baseline level of pain for those who have pre-existing chronic pain (i.e., chronic pain condition(s) present prior to COVID-19 illness AND chronic pain not worsened post-COVID). * Already received acupuncture treatment for long COVID symptoms. * Unable to travel to the UW Northgate Clinic once a week for 8 weeks for acupuncture treatments. * Has seizure disorder with high risk of seizure (i.e., new diagnosis of seizure disorder and/or new medication in the last 3 months, or uncontrolled/unclear triggers for seizures). * Is currently Pregnant * Is receiving active cancer ther…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain, Enjoyment and General Activity (PEG)

Timeframe: Baseline (Week 0), Mid-Point (Week 4), Post-Intervention (Week 8), and Final Follow-Up (Week 20)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06476496

SponsorUniversity of Washington

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-03-30

Results submitted2026-03-24

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Long COVID trials