Skip to content

tDCS in Post-COVID Syndrome: Comparison of Two Targets

Neuromodulation Using Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) in Post-COVID Syndrome: Comparison of Two Targets

Status
Active, not recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05753202
Enrollment
40
Registered
2023-03-03
Start date
2023-03-01
Completion date
2024-06-30
Last updated
2024-01-30

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

COVID-19, Post COVID-19 Condition, Post-COVID-19 Syndrome

Keywords

post-COVID syndrome, brain stimulation, fatigue, cognitive, depression, transcranial direct current stimulation, non-invasive brain stimulation

Brief summary

The main aim of this study is to compare the effect of two non-invasive neuromodulation targets in patients meeting WHO criteria for the post-COVID condition. A randomized, parallel, double-blind study will be conducted. Patients will receive 15 neuromodulation sessions through transcranial electrical stimulation for 3 weeks, associated with cognitive stimulation during therapy. The main objective will be to evaluate the change in physical fatigue. As secondary objectives, changes in cognition, depression, pain, quality of sleep and quality of life will be evaluated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of two targets (left dorsolateral prefrontal and M1) of the neuromodulation intervention, together with cognitive stimulation.

Interventions

DEVICEtranscranial current direct stimulation

Transcranial electrical stimulation over two different brain regions associated with cognitive training. 15 sesions in 3 weeks (5 days/week)

Sponsors

Hospital San Carlos, Madrid
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 at least 6 months before the participation in the study. * Diagnosis of post-COVID condition according to WHO criteria. * Age 18-65 years. * Spanish as native language. * Sign of written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

* History of stroke * History of traumatic brain injury or central nervous system infection * Diagnosis of other neurological or medical disorder that could impact on fatigue. * Diagnosis of active psychiatric disorder potentially impacting on fatigue or cognitive function. * Chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer. * Severe sensory deficits (e.g. visual loss) that could limit assessments included int the study protocol. * Taking drugs or uncontrolled medical disorder potentially causing or worsening fatigue. Specifically, uncontrolled adrenal insufficiency, miastenic syndromes, thyroid disorders, cardiac failure, chronic kidney disorders and neurodegenerative disorders are excluded. * History of abuse of alcohol or other toxics. * Any contraindication for transcranial electric stimulation: epilepsy, pregnancy, metallic implants, brain devices, pacemakers, head injuries).

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Fatigue Severity Scale (score)1 monthPhysical fatigue

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) (score)1 monthPhysical and cognitive fatigue
FLEI scale (score)1 monthSubjective cognition.
Beck Depression Inventory (2nd version) (score)1 monthDepressive symptoms
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (score)1 monthSleep quality
Brief Pain Inventory (score)1 monthPain

Countries

Spain

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026