Long COVID study: Acupuncture
Official title Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Long COVID
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07285707
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- To see if a protocol of acupuncture alone or combined with Chinese herbal supplements is feasible, acceptable, and shows any early benefit for long COVID symptoms, function, and quality of life.
- Who it's for
- Adults who are experiencing long COVID symptoms.
- What's involved
- Participants will receive 16 acupuncture sessions over eight weeks (twice a week, about 30 minutes each). Half will also take Chinese herbal supplements. A follow‑up visit occurs four weeks after the last treatment.
- Time commitment
- The study lasts about 12 weeks total, with twice‑weekly clinic visits for eight weeks and one final follow‑up visit.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 and older
You may be able to join if
- 18 years of age or older
- We will include adults of any age in our study. Adults of all ages can experience long COVID symptoms, although it is more common in older adults
- Confirmed and documented COVID-19 illness (confirmed by healthcare provider or test
- COVID-19 illness is a necessary precursor to the development of long COVID
- Fatigue or post-exertional malaise,
You likely can't join if
- Under 18 years of age
- Pulmonary fibrosis or on continuous oxygen treatment
- Diagnosed with Alzheimer's or demonstrating onset of dementia
- Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions
- Other comorbid conditions that might imitate long COVID symptoms
- Undergoing cancer treatments
See the full eligibility criteria
- 18 years of age or older
- We will include adults of any age in our study. Adults of all ages can experience long COVID symptoms, although it is more common in older adults
- Confirmed and documented COVID-19 illness (confirmed by healthcare provider or test; acceptable documentation includes but is not limited to a doctor's note or a photo of test result)
- COVID-19 illness is a necessary precursor to the development of long COVID
- Fatigue or post-exertional malaise,
- Dyspnea, cough,
- Brain fog, sleep disturbance, depression, anxiety,
- Arthralgia, myalgia, or
- Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain
- Over 200 different long COVID symptoms have been identified. The proposed study is a small pragmatic pilot study which only plans to enroll 10 participants.
- The symptoms were not present prior to the confirmed COVID-19 illness o If the symptoms were present prior to the confirmed COVID-19 illness, then they are most likely attributable to a cause other than long COVID
- Willingness to comply with the treatment schedule o It is important that all those who qualify for the study are willing to comply with the protocol that is being adopted.
- Ability to read and understand English o Informed consent will be in the English language. Inability to read and understand English will interfere with provision of informed consent.
- Ability to provide informed consent o It is important that participants are aware that they are required to provide written informed consent before they are allowed to participate.
- Under 18 years of age
- Pulmonary fibrosis or on continuous oxygen treatment
- Diagnosed with Alzheimer's or demonstrating onset of dementia
- Uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions
- Other comorbid conditions that might imitate long COVID symptoms
- Undergoing cancer treatments
- Use of acupuncture or Chinese medicine in the past three months
- Involved in health-related litigation or legal claims
- Missing either baseline visit and deemed unlikely to comply with the study protocol
- Pregnant or breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Whittier, California, United States
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This listing doesn't specify compensation. Many trials still reimburse travel or offer a stipend, so it's worth asking the study team when you connect.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years and older. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Whittier, California, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.