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Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in the Rehabilitation of Olfactory Dysfunctions Induced by Long COVID-19

Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in the Rehabilitation of Olfactory Dysfunctions Induced by Long COVID-19

Status
Recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06423495
Enrollment
30
Registered
2024-05-21
Start date
2022-06-05
Completion date
2024-12-22
Last updated
2024-05-21

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

Conditions

Ageusia, Anosmia, COVID-19, Laser Therapy, Rehabilitation

Keywords

Anosmia, ageusia, COVID-19, Rehabilitation, Photobiomodulation

Brief summary

On January 30, 2020, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared the new coronavirus pandemic as the sixth public health emergency of international concern. In February 2020, the virus was designated by the Coronavirus Study Group of the International Committee on Virus Taxonomy as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Many reports have described the appearance of olfactory or gustatory dysfunction simultaneously with other pre-established symptoms of COVID-19. Symptoms such as loss of taste or smell may appear 2 to 14 days after being infected with COVID-19. Worldwide, evidence regarding anosmia (loss of smell) and dysgeusia (change in taste) has been associated with COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity laser in treating changes in smell and taste after COVID-19 infection and map which changes obtained the best results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an intervention study whose sample will consist of 30 individuals with loss of smell and taste for more than 6 months after COVID-19 infection, aged 18 years or older.

Detailed description

objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity laser in resolving chemosensory symptoms caused by COVID-19. This is an intervention study. The sample will consist of 30 individuals who will be allocated to the low-intensity laser treatment group. The patients will come from research at the COVID-19 outpatient clinic at the Gafree Guinle University Hospital - UNIRIO. Patients who agree to participate in the study will be informed about the objective of the research and will sign an informed consent form.

Interventions

The experimental group will be subjected to a total of up to 24 sessions (2x a week for up to 12 weeks) of irradiation with red and infrared laser pulsed radiation, with 820mm wavelength, 60w power and 6 energy cages, applied in both nostrils and in 10 points under the tongue.

Sponsors

Rio de Janeiro State Research Supporting Foundation (FAPERJ)
CollaboratorOTHER_GOV
Gaffree & Guinle Universitary Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SEQUENTIAL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

The sample will consist of 30 individuals who will be allocated to the low-intensity laser treatment group.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Patients who complained of loss of smell and taste more than 6 months after COVID-19 infection, aged 18 years or older, with proof of infection by PCR, will be included in the study.

Exclusion criteria

* Patients with comorbidities prior to COVID-19 infection that could interfere with the functions of smell and taste will be excluded from the study; patients with a history of head and neck cancer, epileptic patients; mouth breathing patients; and pregnant women.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
effectiveness of low-intensity laser in the treatment of olfactory dysfunction in long term covid-1920 minutes session with photobiomodulation therapy twice a week, for a total of 16 sessionsevaluate the effectiveness of low-intensity laser

Countries

Brazil

Contacts

Primary ContactDEBORAH S SALES, phd
deborahsales.fono@gmail.com+5521982161520

Outcome results

None listed

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