Journal Article Epublish 2 citations
PubMed: 40426680 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci15050510
Superficial Neuromodulation in Dysautonomia in Women with Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Pilot Study.
Brain Sci 15(5)
Authors: Alberto Melián-Ortíz, Eduardo Zurdo-Sayalero, Sara Perpiñá-Martínez, Antonio Delgado-Lacosta, Carmen Jiménez-Antona, Josué Fernández-Carnero, Sofía Laguarta-Val
Affiliations
- Faculty of Nuring and Physiotherapy Salus Infirmorum, Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, 28015 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain.
- Cognitive Neuroscience, Pain and Rehabilitation Research Group (NEDECOR), Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28933 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 condition involves persistent symptoms after acute infection, often linked to dysautonomia, which affects heart rate variability, pain perception, fatigue, and sleep. Superficial neuromodulation has been proposed as a treatment. Objective: To assess the effects of superficial neuromodulation on symptoms, sleep quality, and autonomic function in post-COVID-19 condition patients. Methods: A pilot study was conducted based on a triple-blind randomized controlled trial methodology involving 16 female participants. The experimental group received neuromodulation, while the control group used a placebo device. The intervention spanned 15 sessions over two months. Primary outcomes included heart rate variability, pain threshold, cortisol levels, fatigue, sleep quality, and quality of life, analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Both groups improved over time. Heart rate variability (SDNN) increased in the experimental group (30.42 to 39.11 ms) but decreased in controls (31.88 to 28.73 ms) (p < 0.05). Pain threshold at C5-C6 improved in the experimental group (2.1 to 3.5 kg/cm 2) but remained stable in controls (p = 0.032). Fatigue decreased significantly in both groups (p = 0.002). Sleep quality improved, with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores decreasing similarly in both groups. Cortisol levels increased, with a non-significant trend favoring controls. Conclusions: While improvements were seen, both groups benefited, suggesting a possible placebo effect. Superficial neuromodulation appears safe, but further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm efficacy.
MeSH
Pilot Projects, Pilots, Pain, Heart Rate, Heart, Sleep, Primary Dysautonomias, Signs And Symptoms, Covid-19, Fatigue, Nervous System