Widespread infection with SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in millions of people having Post-COVID. Post-COVID is a complex, non-monolithic disease with diverse clinical manifestations. Symptoms range from fatigue, brain fog, muscle aches and shortness of breath, affecting multiple organ systems simultaneously. To directly address this multi-organ component of Post-COVID, innovative treatment methods are urgently needed. One potential treatment that we will investigate in our study, is the intervention via the vagus nerve, as the cranial nerve plays a central role in communication between the body and the brain and influences targeted behavior. This innovative approach is based on our clinically relevant findings regarding the effects where acute tVNS increased the level of effort (Neuser et al., 2020; Ferstl et al., 2021), specifically targeting a key symptom of Post-COVID. In the proposed study, the investigators aim to investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) as a non-invasive, self-administered treatment for Post-COVID symptoms at home. To evaluate the clinically relevant effects of repeated taVNS application (high-intensity stimulation), the investigators will employ a randomized cross-over design to investigate stimulation-induced changes in fatigue, depression and motivation to work for reward compared to low-intensity stimulation and to a control group.
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Stimulation-induced changes in invigoration: frequency of button presses during the first seconds of the trial to gain monetary rewards in the Effort Allocation Task.
Timeframe: Pre treatment vs. after 6-week tVNS vs. after 6-week low-intensity stimulation phase
Stimulation-induced changes in symptoms of depression
Timeframe: Pre treatment vs. after 6-week tVNS vs. after 6-week low-intensity stimulation phase
Stimulation-induced changes in physical and mental aspects of fatigue
Timeframe: Pre treatment vs. after 6-week tVNS vs. after 6-week low-intensity stimulation phase