Musculoskeletal Pain in Long COVID V2.0
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Characterising Musculoskeletal Pain in people living with Long COVID – A prospective longitudinal study
IRAS ID
296125
Contact name
Manoj Sivan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Long COVID defined as signs and symptoms that develop during or after an infection consistent with COVID-19, continue for more than four weeks and are not explained by an alternative diagnosis. It has been estimated that 1.1 million people in the UK were reporting symptoms associated with long COVID. Most people with long COVID experienced some limitations to their daily activities. This causes new challenges to the patients and their families as well as to the healthcare system.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the most common reported symptoms in long COVID. The causes and underlying mechanisms of the MSK pain in long COVID are not fully understood yet. A few underlying mechanisms have been hypothesised to cause the pain including detrimental impacts of the virus on neurological functions and central nervous system; immunologic aberrations and inflammatory damage in response to the acute infection; expected sequelae of post-critical illness involving deconditioning process following a period of inactivity, bed rest or sedentary lifestyle associated with the viral infection. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics, etiopathological mechanisms and the natural course of pain, and to understand its physical and psychosocial consequences. We will also analyse the correlation of pain to clusters of long COVID symptoms. We are hoping that the results of this study will help the healthcare providers to deliver adequate management for patients with long COVID.
To achieve this aim, a longitudinal study will be conducted to observe 200 patients with long COVID pain throughout an 18-month period. Pain assessment will be undertaken using validated methods, that include blood tests to detect inflammatory biomarkers, clinical examination, standardised pain instruments/scales, Quantitative Sensory Testing to measure changes in sensitivity, and electroencephalography to measure brain network activity. Physical activity measurements include Timed Up and Go Test to assess balance and mobility, Rated Perceived Exertion Scale to measure exercise intensity, and Hand-Grip Dynamometer test to measure handgrip strength. In addition, we will use psychological assessment tools to assess the severity of depression and anxiety, and self-efficacy and pain-related thoughts.
REC name
London - Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/1377
Date of REC Opinion
27 Oct 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion