Reducing fatigue after Long COVID-19
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Reducing fatigue in Long COVID-19: A feasibility study of a self-help intervention to reduce fatigue-related symptoms among patients in general practice
IRAS ID
291940
Contact name
Adrian Heald
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN99840264
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
We know from previous worldwide pandemics (SARS & MERS), caused by viruses similar to that causing COVID-19, that many survivors develop long-term effects. Follow-up studies showed post-viral fatigue was still present up to five years later.
With over 100,000 people hospitalised with COVID-19 and many others affected, the potential numbers at risk of developing fatigue-related syndromes are enormous, and it is important to develop interventions to help manage these symptoms.
We propose trialling an adaptation of our brain and spinal lymphatic drainage technique for use by patients at-home in low cost intervention.
We will recruit patients with a positive COVID-19 result and determine their level of fatigue related symptoms.
1) Screening
All COVID-19+ve patients will be invited by their general practionner to complete a validated questionnaire, the Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ) to screen for significant fatigue related symptoms.
Those scoring over 4 will be invited to join a 6-month intervention study aimed at reducing post-viral fatigue.
2) Intervention – feasibility study
100 patients(scoring above 4 on the CFQ), providing consent will be randomised to receive either: i) Lymphatic self-massage group plus treatment as usual (TAU) vs. ii) TAU alone. Instructions for lymphatic self-massage and gentle mobility exercises will be provided as a leaflet and via online video (password protected) with DVD format if required. The 50 people who were randomised to usual care will still have the intervention, starting at 3 months following recruitment.
Participants will be followed-up using the CFQ at the end of the intervention(3m) and 6 months, irrespective of which arm they started in. Secondary outcome data will include FACIT Fatigue/EQ5D5L/GAD/PHQ-9 questionnaires. At the end of 6 months a structured interview will be undertaken with 20 of the participants.
We hope by providing early intervention and supportive treatments following hospitalisation for COVID-19, that we can help patients overcome fatigue related symptoms and prevent them becoming entrenched.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/LO/0809
Date of REC Opinion
24 Dec 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion