Publication date: Nov 08, 2024
This study investigated the effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for fibromyalgia-like symptoms including chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and/or gait impairment in twenty-five individuals with long-COVID. Participants were randomized to a high dose (intervention group, IG) or low dose (placebo group, PG) TENS device. Both groups received daily 3-5 h of TENS therapy for 4-weeks. The Brief Pain Inventory assessed functional interference from pain (BPI-I), and pain severity (BPI-S). The global fatigue index (GFI) assessed functional interference from fatigue. Wearable technology measured gait parameters during three 30-feet consecutive walking tasks. At 4-weeks, the IG exhibited a greater decrease in BPI-I compared to the PG (mean difference = 2. 61, p = 0. 008), and improved in gait parameters including stride time (4-8%, test condition dependent), cadence (4-10%, depending on condition), and double-support phase (12% in dual-task) when compared to baseline. A sub-group meeting the 2010 American College of Rheumatology Fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria undergoing high-dose TENS showed GFI improvement at 4-weeks from baseline (mean change = 6. 08, p = 0. 005). Daily TENS therapy showed potential in reducing functional interference from pain, fatigue, and gait alterations in long-COVID individuals. The study’s limited power could affect the confirmation of certain observations. Extending the intervention period may improve treatment effectiveness.
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| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| 2010american | Adult |
| Daily | Aged |
| Fibromyalgia | COVID-19 |
| Pilot | Fatigue |
| Randomized | Female |
| Fibromyalgia | |
| Gait | |
| Humans | |
| Male | |
| Middle Aged | |
| Pilot Projects | |
| SARS-CoV-2 | |
| Treatment Outcome |